AWARD CATEGORIES

FROM FOUR AWARDS TO A GARDEN OF POSSIBILITIES

The AHS Awards Program, initiated in 1953, originally featured four awards categories: Horticultural Writing, Professional, Teaching, and Scientific. Over time, it has evolved into the Great American Gardeners Awards program, expanding categories to better reflect the diverse aspects of horticulture, including the art, science, and commitment to environmental stewardship in North America.

2027 nominations will be accepted from July 30, 2026 to September 25, 2026.

See the 2026 Award Winners!

Yellow lilies thriving in their natural outdoor setting

Awards Offered in 2027

Liberty Hyde Bailey Award

Our highest honor—presented to an individual whose lifetime achievements have profoundly advanced American horticulture across multiple fields such as teaching, research, communications, design, or leadership. This award recognizes the rare few who have elevated the entire discipline.

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 programming— 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.

Garden Education Award

Honors those who cultivate future generations. Given to an individual, program, or organization making a lasting impact through children’s and youth gardening initiatives. In honor of Jane L. Taylor, a youth garden educator and curator.

Landscape Design Award

Given to an individual whose work has demonstrated and promoted the value of sustainable horticultural practices in the field of landscape architecture or landscape design.

Communication Award

Recognizes effective and inspirational communication—through print, radio, television, and/or online media—that advances public interest and participation in horticulture. In honor of B.Y. Morrison, a horticultural communicator, designer, and administrator.

Floral Design Award

Recognizes significant contributions to floral design in publications, on the platform, and to the public. In honor of Frances Jones Poetker, a floral design, author, and lecturer.

View the 2026 award recipients.

View a list of award winners since 1953.