2021 Great American Gardeners Award Winners Announced
American Horticultural Society
Announces 2021 Great American Gardeners Award Winners
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 18, 2021) — The American Horticultural Society (AHS) today announced the distinguished recipients of the 2021 Great American Gardeners Awards. Individuals, organizations, and companies that receive these annual awards represent the best in American gardening and horticulture. Each has contributed significantly to fields such as plant research, garden communication, landscape design, youth gardening, horticultural therapy, and teaching.
Among this year’s winners is Lucinda McDade, PhD, of the California Botanic Garden, who is receiving the AHS’s highest honor—the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award—for her lifetime accomplishments as a scientific researcher, plant explorer, professor, author, and public garden administrator. The AHS applauds all of this year’s recipients for their passionate commitment to American gardening and their outstanding achievements within their area of expertise.
This year’s Great American Gardeners Award recipients are:
* LIBERTY HYDE BAILEY AWARD – The American Horticultural Society’s highest award, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award is given to an individual who has made significant lifetime contributions to at least three of the following horticultural fields: teaching, research, communications, plant exploration, administration, art, business, and leadership.
Lucinda McDade, PhD, Executive Director & Judith B. Friend Director of Research, California Botanic Garden, Claremont, Calif.
* EMERGING HORTICULTURAL PROFESSIONAL AWARD – Given in the early stages of an individual’s career, this award recognizes significant achievements and/or leadership that have advanced the field of horticulture in America.
Keith A. Mearns, Director of Grounds, Historic Columbia, Columbia, S.C.
* GARDEN STEWARDSHIP – Given to a public garden that embraces and exemplifies sustainable horticultural practices in design, maintenance, and/or programs.
North Carolina Botanic Garden, Chapel Hill, N.C.
* HORTICULTURAL THERAPY AWARD – Recognizes significant contributions to the field of horticultural therapy.
Naomi A. Sachs, Assistant Professor, Plant Science & Landscape Architecture and
Founding Director, Therapeutic Landscapes Network, College Park, Md.
* LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD – Given to an individual whose work has demonstrated and promoted the value of sound horticultural practices in the field of landscape architecture.
Larry Weaner, Principal & Founder, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, Glenside, Pa.
* B.Y. MORRISON COMMUNICATION AWARD – Recognizes effective and inspirational communication—through print, radio, television, and/or online media—that advances public interest and participation in horticulture.
Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago, Garden Podcaster and Radio Show Host, San Juan, P.R.
* FRANCES JONES POETKER AWARD – Recognizes significant contributions to floral design in publications, on the platform, and to the public.
Lisa Waud, Floral Artist, Detroit, Mich.
* TEACHING AWARD – Given to an individual whose ability to share his or her horticultural knowledge with others has contributed to a better public understanding of the plant world and its important influence on society.
Rowen White, Founder and Creative Director, Sierra Seeds, Nevada City, Calif.
* JANE L. TAYLOR AWARD – Given to an individual, organization, or program that has inspired and nurtured future horticulturists through efforts in children’s and youth gardening.
Washington Youth Garden, Washington, D.C.
For more information on this year’s recipients, please visit our 2021 Award Winners. Photographs of the award winners and additional information about the awards program are available upon request by contacting Katherine Somerville at ksomerville@ahsgardening.org or calling (703) 768-5700, ext. 121.
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