Awards Offered in 2026
Liberty Hyde Bailey Award
Presented to an individual whose lifetime achievements have profoundly advanced American horticulture across multiple fields such as teaching, research, communications, plant exploration, administration, art, business, and leadership. Named after Liberty Hyde Bailey (1858-1954), horticulturist, educator, author.
Jane L. Taylor Award
Honors those who cultivate future generations. Given to an individual, organization, or program making a lasting impact through children’s and youth gardening initiatives. Named for Jane L. Taylor, youth advocate, horticulturist, educator.
Rising Star Award
Spotlights an emerging horticultural professional whose energy, leadership, and creativity are already reshaping how North America gardens.
Garden Sustainability Award
Celebrates a public garden that is setting the bar for sustainable design, maintenance, and programs – proving that beauty, education, and environmental responsibility can grow together.
Community Greening Award (even years only)
Celebrates grassroots greatness. This award honors an individual, institution, or company that is using plants to create more livable, healthy, and equitable communities.
Scientific Award (even years only)
Acknowledges breakthroughs that matter. Recognizes exceptional scientific research that enriches the understanding and practice of horticulture in meaningful ways. In honor of H. Marc Cathey, researcher, horticulturist, and administrator.
Horticultural Innovation Award (even years only)
Recognizes bold thinkers. Presented to an individual or company that’s making horticulture more sustainable, accessible, or inclusive through fresh ideas and forward-thinking solutions. Previously given as Luther Burbank Award, Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award, and G.B. Gunlogson Award.
Additional Awards Categories
B.Y. Morrison Communication Award (odd years only)
Recognizes effective and inspirational communication through print, radio, television, and/or online media that advances public interest and participation in horticulture. Named for Benjamin Yoe Morrison (1891-1966), landscape architect, plant breeder, artist. IInitialy named the Horticultural Communication Award.
Landscape Design Award (odd years only)
Given to an individual whose work has demonstrated and promoted the value of sustainable horticultural practices in the field of landscape architecture.
Frances Jones Poetker Award (odd years only)
Recognizes significant contributions to floral design. Named for Frances Jones Poetker, floral designer, author, lecturer.
Horticultural Therapy Award (Rolling Basis)
Recognizes significant contributions to the field of horticultural therapy.
Meritorious Service Award (Rolling Basis)
Recognizes outstanding service and generosity in support of the AHS and sustainable gardening.
Teaching Award (Rolling Basis)
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.