Visiting the Arboretum: All members and visitors need to make a reservation in advance of their visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. We hope to see you soon!

Paul Sotak is the horticulturist responsible for the Dwarf Conifer Collection. Photo by Liz Potasek.

By Liz Potasek

If you've ever had the pleasure of taking the Peony Walk in early June or marveled at the astounding variety of daylilies blooming in July, you've experienced some of the magic that horticulturist Paul Sotak creates at the Arboretum. 

Sotak, who has worked at the Arboretum for 15 years, is responsible for for the Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden, Dwarf Conifer Collection, Dahlia Display and Lily, Daylily and Peony Collections.

Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden on May 21. Photo by Liz Potasek.

Growing  up in Gary, Indiana, Sotak studied horticulture at Purdue University. After college, he moved to California to be closer to family and because "it's a horticultural paradise." He worked for 20 years for the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, starting his career in the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. "The conservatory is a replica of an English Victorian-era conservatory, in which we grew and displayed tropical plant collections and various seasonal flower crops, such as Cymbidiums and other orchids, Poinsettias, Gerbera, Schizanthus and others," he says.

He transferred to the San Francisco Botanical Garden (then known as the Strybing Arboretum), which is also located in the vast Golden Gate Park. "While there I took care of the perennial and annual gardens at the main entrance, and also at times the Asian collection, Cloud Forest collection, California native gardens, Australian and New Zealand collections," he says. "I worked there for about 16 years before moving back to the midwest."

Before starting his tenure with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Sotak worked for the Minneapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, taking care of the Peace Garden in Lyndale Park.

Sotak cares for the Elizabeth Carr Slade Perennial Garden. Photo by Liz Potasek.

Why are you passionate about your work here at the Arboretum?

I have worked in public botanic gardens for most of my professional career. I feel that I'm doing some good for humanity by helping to open visitors' eyes to the wonders of the natural world, the beauty and value of plants and gardens, and the animal life -- birds, insects, reptiles, etc. -- found in nature. It's all connected. Hopefully people can take home some of what they learned or discovered at the Arboretum to enrich their own gardens and their views on the value of staying connected with the natural world.

What is your earliest memory of gardening or nature?

As a young child, one of my older sisters was into gardening and so I helped her in the garden. Soon I became fascinated by plants and insects and the whole nine yards of nature that goes along with it. In particular, growing and playing with sensitive plants (they actually respond to touch!) and four o'clocks (Mirabilis jalapa), which actually open up around 4 in the afternoon and stay open all night attracting the likes of hummingbirds and sphinx moths. It was fascinating!

Who inspired your career path?

My sister Ellen, who was six years older than me. She earned a degree in horticulture and taught horticulture at San Jose City College, before switching careers to become a special education teacher. She passed away because of leukemia 9 years ago. 

Dahlia. Photo by Chris McNamara.

Do you have a home garden?

I most enjoy growing vegetable gardens, herbs and raspberries -- there's nothing like fresh raspberries from the garden! And, of course, flowers of many kinds. I like to grow pollinator-friendly flowers to help out the bees and other pollinators, and to attract birds, especially hummingbirds. I grow salvias to attract hummingbirds. At the Arboretum, I've planted giant blue sage (Salvia guaranitica) in front of the Dahlia display, and it attracts migrating hummingbirds in August and September. It's delightful.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?

Interacting with the curious public, answering their questions, giving them helpful information, and acknowledging their appreciation for the work being done here.

As an expert in your field, do you have any tricks, tips or advice that would help our readers?

Work with nature -- not against it. Also, be as organic as possible, keep toxic chemicals and excessive fertilizer out of our environment. [Editor's Note: Test your soil with the University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory to determine whether to fertilize your soil. University of Minnesota Extension Service also offers extensive, science-based information for maintaining your yard and garden.]