Director of horticulture named at Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park, part of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, announced the appointment of Scott Witte as director of horticulture. He was previously director of agronomy for Cantigny Golf, which is managed by KemperSports.

Witte will oversee the Wheaton park's horticultural operations, including the estate's renowned display gardens. He will also coordinate many aspects of Project New Leaf, the park's ongoing revitalization plan, now in its third year.

"Scott is a familiar face around Cantigny and highly respected by all who know him," said Matt LaFond, Cantigny Park executive director.

Witte's history with Cantigny spans 23 years, all in golf operations. He holds a bachelor's degree in Crop and Soil Sciences and Turfgrass Management from Michigan State University, and a master's degree in Leadership Studies from North Central College in Naperville.

"I know from my years at the golf course that Cantigny is a very special place," Witte said. "I'm eager to join the horticulture team, help manage Project New Leaf and, most of all, make sure that the park's gardens and open spaces continue to delight our visitors."

A Milwaukee native, Witte is a licensed apiarist and won the 2016 Bayer Bee Care Community Leadership Award. He earned GCSAA Certified Golf Superintendent status in 2001 and in 2010 served as president of the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents.

The 500-acre Cantigny estate features one of the largest display gardens in the Midwest, showcasing perennials, ground covers, flowering bulbs, shrubs and trees. The park's 18,000-square-foot greenhouse supplies most of the plants displayed throughout the gardens and golf course, including 160,000 annuals. Garden tours, horticultural workshops, photo walks and other activities are offered in the spring, summer and fall.