PAYTON STUTTE

Horticulturist

I’m a Horticulturist here at Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum and I care for the gardens and arboreal collections across the cemetery grounds. Alongside the other members of our horticulture team and our volunteers we make sure the landscape here stays vibrant and meaningful. I am the primary horticulturist of Wildwood Valley Gardens; If you wander through, you’ll likely see many of these efforts in action.

My background is in Biology (bachelor’s degree) with a minor in Environmental Studies from Truman State University, and I’ve been working as a horticulturist since 2021. What drew me into this field was the blend of art and science—the idea that working with plants and ornamental landscapes can be expressive, creative, and host a diversity of ecological relationships at the same time. And here at Bellefontaine, I found the perfect place for that marriage. It’s been just over a year and a half that I’ve been part of this team, and I’ve learned so much—especially about working in public landscapes and engaging with visitors sharing my passion for Horticulture and Arboriculture.

What is most rewarding is seeing the payoff of applying conservation landscape practices, Bellefontaine has been shifting its practices since the early 2010's, and I just want to build on what past staff have started. As an urban greenspace we play a critical role in supporting biodiversity in the city.  Being able to see that, and to talk with people about it, is one of my favorite parts of the job.

Bellefontaine isn’t just a cemetery—it’s one of the most unique public landscapes in St. Louis. To me, it’s a place of history, a site of reflection and an urban ecological haven. Working here gives me the chance to contribute to that in a meaningful way.

When I’m not in the gardens, you’ll often find me wandering urban parks with my camera as a nature photographer and birdwatcher. I also enjoy volunteering with citizen science programs such as Shutterbee and Missouri Stream Team. These aren’t just “hobbies” for me—they’re deeply connected to what I do at Bellefontaine: observing change, celebrating nature’s work, and sharing it with others.

If you see me out in the gardens, please feel free to say hello—I’d love to talk plants, birds, or anything green.