Lauren Kope
Director
As Director, Lauren facilitates meaningful connections between the campus, community, and gardens’ living collections. She enjoys engaging with many audiences over a shared love of plants.
Before joining UDBG, Lauren served as Manager of Living Collections at Wyck Historic House and Gardens in Philadelphia and worked as Head Gardener of a private estate in Charlottesville, VA. Lauren has designed and maintained gardens for clients in Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.
A graduate of the Longwood Gardens’ Professional Horticulture Program, she also holds a B.S. in Agricultural Science from Virginia Tech and received her M.B.A. from the University of Delaware.
Andrew Adams
Nursery and Collections Manager
Andrew curates UDBG’s living collection, manages propagation and daily operations in the plant nursery, and oversees the Trial Garden. He also co-supervises the cohort of summer interns, providing hands-on training to prepare them for careers in the green industry.
A University of Delaware graduate, Andrew earned a B.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences and Agriculture and Natural Resources with a minor in Landscape Horticulture and Design. Before transitioning to his current role, he served for many years as the gardens’ Horticulture Manager.
Early in his career, he gained experience at UDBG as an intern and conducted urban forestry research under Dr. Tara Trammell. In addition, Andrew assisted in the management of his family’s landscaping business, where he developed horticultural skills and learned machinery repair and operation.
Emily Mox
Program Manager
Emily leads UDBG’s Volunteer Program and manages the gardens’ diverse range of events, including lectures, plant sales, and workshops, enriching the UDBG community. She also directs communication and marketing efforts, ensuring the gardens’ mission and programs reach a broad and engaged audience.
Originally from Newark, Emily has spent the last two decades immersing herself in the many horticultural opportunities offered by the greater Philadelphia region. Her experience includes roles at Redbud Native Plant Nursery, Tyler Arboretum, and The Gardens at Mill Fleurs.
Emily is a graduate of the Longwood Gardens’ Professional Horticulture Program and holds her B.S. in Horticulture from Temple University. She is also a NOFA Accredited Organic Landcare Professional. After running a design and build garden business for several years, she returned to public horticulture as Assistant Garden Supervisor at the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.
Tara Espenshade
Horticulture Manager
Tara oversees the maintenance and growth of UDBG’s living collection. She also co-supervises the cohort of summer interns, providing hands-on training to prepare them for careers in the green industry.
Pulling from a background in fine arts and interactive design, Tara began her horticulture career working as an assistant gardener at a private estate outside Philadelphia. She has worked for Terrain’s Design Services team, creating unique floral installations, maintaining private gardens, and installing seasonal planters and decor. Her transition to public horticulture began with an internship at Chanticleer garden, where she then transition to Assistant Gardener.
She expanded her education through classwork at Longwood Gardens, trained with gardeners from the Barnes Horticulture Program, and completed courses through Mt. Cuba Center’s Ecological Gardening Certificate. Before transitioning to her current role, she served as UDBG’s Assistant Gardener.