J. C. Raulston
Country
United States
Birth - Death
- 1996
Occupation
Gardener
Description
Gardener, and founder of the North Carolina State University Arboretum (now the JC Raulston Arboretum). Organized an informal network of gay men and lesbians called the Lavandula Society, made up of students and professionals in botany, horticulture, landscaping, and public garden management, as well as nurserymen and serious amateur gardeners. As more women began joining, he acknowledged them by renaming the group the Lavandula and Labiatae Society. Developed a slide presentation called “The Green Closet” that identified gay and lesbian gardeners, including couples, whom he had met in his horticultural travels, as well as historical gardeners, such as Beverley Nichols and Vita Sackville-West. Professor, the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University (1975-1996).
