| In a progressively more globalized world, international botanical collaboration is increasingly recognized by public horticulture institutions as fundamentally important to fulfill the research, education, display, and conservation components of their missions. With the vast diversity of China's native flora and its similarity to North America's, the interest in study and botanical collaboration has continued in both countries despite increased regulations and other challenges. Limited budgets and smaller staff sizes have especially hindered collaboration among smaller gardens in both China and the United States. This study investigated the potential development of a Sino-American horticultural staff and educational exchange program modeled after the Interchange Fellowship/Martin McLaren Scholarship program as administered by The Garden Club of America and the Royal Horticultural Society (UK).;A mixed-method research design was utilized for this study and both the Chinese and American perspectives were investigated. The public horticulture context in China was documented and three models of public horticulture institutions were identified. Interviews were conducted with the directors and/or upper management during July 2008 at 11 Chinese botanical gardens in seven provinces and provincial level cities. Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and case studies documented the American perspective; data were collected and examined from the American Public Gardens Association, The Garden Club of America, the North American-China Plant Exploration Consortium, the University of Delaware, and key public gardens engaged in collaboration with China.;The major collaborative goals and professional development priority areas indicated by the Chinese research participants were documented, as were the exchange motivation and collaborative goals of the American stakeholders. Characteristics of success were documented from stakeholders in both countries and incorporated into the final recommendations for the proposed program. Perceived benefits arising from the exchange program were also collected and analyzed. Data indicate tremendous support for the proposed staff exchange program among public gardens and stakeholders in both China and the United States.;The proposed program will unite the resources and mutual interests of public gardens in both countries, coordinate their abilities, and keep them connected to the best minds and future horticultural leaders within their respective countries. It will expand opportunities for other types of botanical exchange and collaborative research projects by providing greater access to type specimens and wild specie populations. Ongoing staff and educational exchange will also increase mutual understanding and awareness of institutional strengths on both sides as well as create a resource network available to non-associated individuals or institutions wishing to collaborate. |
