The Women of Tyler Arboretum: Gertrude McMasters Smith Wister (1905-1999)

Many of us are familiar with Thomas Minshall, who purchased quite a bit of Tyler Arboretum’s land from William Penn in 1681. We may know the Painter brothers planted more than 1,000 trees and shrubs, most in the area we now call the “Old Arb.”

We probably know less about the women of Tyler. During Women’s History Month in March 2025, we began sharing the stories of the women who made an impact on Tyler and the surrounding community. So far we’ve featured Laura Hoopes Tyler and Ann Heacock Minshall, and will continue with periodic additions over the next year or so. We hope you enjoy reading about the challenges and contributions made by some of the women of Tyler Arboretum! Next up, Gertrude McMasters Smith Wister!

‘Your Plants Will Teach You’

In her 1964 book Hardy Garden Bulbs, Gertrude McMasters Smith Wister (1905-1999) described her lifelong engagement with the natural world: “There is a tremendous amount to be learned from books, and no gardener can do without them, but your plants will teach you too.” For over five decades, Gertrude applied her trailblazing leadership to the care and cultivation of Tyler Arboretum, as well as participating in the broader horticultural community.

During her career, Wister worked to improve gardening techniques and practices. Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Gertrude pursued her vocation by majoring in horticulture at the University of Wisconsin. After earning her bachelor’s degree with honors in 1927, the enterprising graduate returned to New Jersey and started a garden planning business. During the 1930s, she began her long association with Swarthmore College, where she served as assistant director of the Scott Horticultural Foundation and the Scott Arboretum.

Gertrude Wister, 1979.

‘A Dreamy Charm’

Gertrude first visited the Tyler Arboretum in the late 1930s, accompanied by her colleague, Dr. John Wister of Swarthmore. After visiting the famous Cedar of Lebanon, she discovered the property, though in need of care and pruning, held “a dreamy charm.” In 1944, she and John, constrained by wartime gas rationing, traveled to nearby Media by train and then walked the four miles to the Tyler property. On that early spring day, Gertrude and John found the fresh blossoms obscured by “briars and honeysuckle.” Contending with the intrusion of unwanted volunteer plants remained a challenge throughout her years of involvement with the Arboretum.

Those first visits evolved into a half-century of involvement with Tyler, during which Gertrude contributed to the planning and care of the property in various capacities, including assistant director, director, and trustee. In the late 1950s, she resided at the Arboretum in Lachford Hall, departing after her marriage to John Wister in 1960.

Leucojum vernum ‘Gertrude Wister’ is a semi-double spring snowflake with 12 or more petals instead of the normal 6. It was discovered by Gertrude Wister in her garden and she donated bulbs to Tyler.

A Green Heart, Mind & Thumb

In addition to planting thousands of bulbs and planning the Pinetum area of the Arboretum, she continued her work at Swarthmore while also serving as editor of the bulletin of the National Council of State Garden Clubs National Gardener. She also wrote and edited many publications about her passion for plants. Wister gained the respect of her peers, receiving numerous awards and commendations.

“I have always thought that to be a good gardener,” wrote Gertrude, “first of all, you must have a green heart, and next, you must have a green mind. These, combined with a little muscle, are needed to produce a green thumb and a beautiful garden.” Wister’s long association with and dedication to Tyler, during which she and her husband might be thought of as an honorary ninth generation of those in the Minshall-Painter-Tyler lineage, to continue a unique relationship to the natural heritage of the lands along Dismal Run Creek. In her work and life, Gertrude Smith Wister proved to be a grower for all seasons.

Gertrude Wister, 1994.

Gertrude Wister’s legacy lives on each spring when thousands of crocus, daffodils, winter aconite and snow drops bloom on the “March Bank” behind Lachford Hall.

Sources:

  • Donald W. Iffland biography article, “Gertrude S. Wister,” 1976.
  • Becky Robert, Celebrating National Women’s History Month: A Reflection on Gertrude Wister and her Accomplishments, Mar 11, 2022, Scott Arboretum and Gardens
  • Virginia Tech – In Memoriam: Gertrude S. Wister

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