Taylor Lewis, our cherished friend and colleague, passed away on August 8, 2024, at the age of 48. Widely known for his smile, welcoming attitude and playful disdain for traditional lawns, Taylor left an indelible mark on the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden community, as well as on gardens throughout the Sacramento region. His passion for plants, people, and life itself will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

To be in Taylor's presence was to feel special, seen, and important – a sentiment echoed repeatedly by the hundreds who gathered at a garden party in his honor just weeks before his passing. This unique gift, which we have come to lovingly call the "Taylor-effect," made everyone around him feel valued and appreciated. His warmth and genuine interest in others created an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy. Though we mourn his physical absence, the impact he had on so many lives remains.

A Lasting Legacy

As the nursery manager at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden for almost a decade, Taylor was responsible for growing hundreds of thousands of plants for the Friends of the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden’s popular seasonal plant sales together with colleagues, students and volunteers who referred to him as a “propagation machine.” His work was instrumental in bringing climate-ready plants, like the Arboretum All-Stars, into the community, ensuring that our landscapes would flourish despite California's challenging weather conditions.

Taylor’s legacy is not just in the plants he nurtured but also in the lives he touched, particularly through the Learning by Leading™ Nursery Management program. Taylor’s dedication to education, combined with his deep knowledge of horticulture, has shaped the next generation of plant enthusiasts and environmental stewards. 

In recognition of his remarkable contributions, inside the office at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery a plaque will hang featuring photos of Taylor at work with students, friends, and colleagues and bear the inscription: “In honor of Taylor Lewis, nursery manager and force of nature. His passion and love continue to grow here.”

A Man of Many Talents

Beyond his work at the nursery, Taylor was an extraordinary public speaker—a talent he honed through his love of acting and the arts. He participated in local theater productions, taking on roles that ranged from cowboys to pirates. This theatrical background made him an engaging and charismatic representative of the nursery. Whether speaking to news teams covering the plant sales or performing off the cuff in popular educational videos, Taylor brought passion and joy to everything he did. 

Taylor's journey was not without challenges. In 2017, he faced the loss of his lower right leg to cancer. After six years of remission, it came back again last summer—this time an extremely rare and aggressive form of angiosarcoma that attacked the blood vessels on his back. Despite these trials, he remained a constant source of positivity and inspiration, buoyed by the love and support of his community.

Honoring Taylor’s Memory

As we remember Taylor, we invite you to watch the tribute video created by the students whose lives he touched and browse a photo album contributed to by his colleagues. Taylor Lewis was more than just a nursery manager; he was a friend, a mentor, and a hug aficionado. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in every bloom, every leaf, and every person who was lucky enough to experience his presence.

Taylor is survived by his mother, three brothers: Spencer, Judd and Jordan, his sister, Megan Lundin, his devoted wife, Ilana Halperin, his sons, Jacob and Jarrett, daughter Emilee and two precious grandchildren, Spencer and Bennett.

How You Can Help

As we celebrate Taylor's life and legacy, here are a couple ways you can honor his memory.

• Donate to the GoFundMe page established by friends of Taylor’s to help defray costs associated with his in-home end-of-life care and funeral expenses.
• Make a gift to the Arboretum Teaching Nursery Fund in Taylor’s honor.

Learn more about Taylor Lewis from Sacramento Digs Gardening Founder Debbie Arrington.