This book, of course, would not exist without the passion, vision, dedication, knowledge, skills, and hard work of the staff at arboretums and botanical gardens. I am eternally grateful!

Special thanks go to Tricia Droney, my life partner, and best friend who has been an integral part of this project since the beginning. She was with me at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill when bark first revealed its delights and at almost every arboretum and botanical garden since – scouting for interesting bark and patiently waiting while I took dozens (sometimes hundreds) of pictures. Her enthusiasm, patience, and encouragement were limitless.