In 1993 a Master Gardener’s class in Daviess County, Kentucky dreamed of creating a botanical garden. In pursuit of this dream, Dr. and Mrs. William Tyler donated approximately 8.5 acres to the City of Owensboro and the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden was born! Under the guidance of the Board of Directors and the many local horticultural professionals and enthusiasts listed below, The Garden has become a center for the growth and display of hundreds of outstanding plant selections as well as a beautiful location for social gatherings, weddings, receptions and meetings. We are truly a unique gem in Western Kentucky thanks to the tireless efforts of these individuals. Thank you for all you do for The Garden and for our community!

Susie Tyler, Director

Board of Directors
Robert (Bob) Smiley, President
Robert Blackham, Vice President, Project Engineer
Jeanie Bosley Heath, Vice President, Fundraising 
Gary Satterwhite, Vice President, Long Range Planning
Drew Watson, Funding Development
Dorthory (Dot) Reid, Recording Secretary
Jeanna Siddons, Treasurer
Dr. William "Bill" Tyler, Executive Committee Member at Large
Drew Watson, Past President
​Richard K. Temple, Board of Directors Emeritus
Diane Bowers
Bryce Caldwell
Marcia Carpenter
Ruth Ann Dearness
Robert K. (Doc) Harris
Rick Kamuf
William (Bill) M. Kuegel
Natalie Jones Mountjoy
Laura Muhlenberg
Armando Ortiz
Mary Quader
Laurna Strehl
Darrell Wedding

Advisors & Special Volunteers​
Martine Stone, Ph.D., Horticultural Advisor
Eddie Atherton, Technical Advisor
Linda Bryant, Community Development
Sandy Hallman, Corresponding Secretary
Dr. Annette Meyer Heisdorffer, Membership
Betty Sue Hill, Membership
Ann Murphy Kincheloe, Program Logistics
Larry Mansfield, Grounds Oversight Coordination
Joyce P. Nall, Hospitality
Gail Niehaus, 1st Weekend Wonders
Madeline Oetinger, Volunteer Personnel 
Karen Miller Porter, Marketing Advisor
Shirley Price, Conservatory Advisor
Paul E. Puckett Jr., Creative Garden Beds
Barbara Russ, Horticultural Expertise
Kristine Smith, 1st Saturdays
Mark W. Starnes, Legal Advice