Overview: Fordham’s father was the superintendent of the R and J Farquhar Company, a leading nursery and importer of rare plants that were introduced by Charles Sargent and E. H. Wilson. Following the advice of his father and E.H. Wilson, Al Fordham came directly to the Arnold Arboretum as a student trainee in 1929. He would continue his association with the Arboretum until his retirement in 1977, rising to the position of chief propagator. Known unofficially as “The Propagator’s Propagator,” Fordham...