Our Story

DISCOVER THE LEGACY OF THE AHS
Founded in 1922, the AHS is a long respected nonprofit organization dedicated to gardening and horticulture in North America. With a rich history, AHS has played a pivotal role in promoting the positive impact of gardening through education and community building. Here are the key figures, impactful projects, and significant events that have created the organization we have today.
1922
American Horticultural Society and National Horticultural founded
1922
First edition of The National Horticultural Magazine

1926
AHS and NHS merge as American Horticultural Society
1953
First Great American Gardeners Awards
1960
AHS and the American Horticultural Congress (AHC) develop the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
1973
AHS purchases River Farm through the generous $1 million gift from Enid Annenberg Haupt
1974
First Lady Patricia Nixon and Enid Haupt attend opening ceremony of AHS’ River Farm headquarters

1981
River Farm opens a Children’s Garden

1991
Reciprocal Admissions Program (currently called the AHS Garden Network) launched with U.S. public gardens
1993
First Children’s Gardening Symposium
1997
Introduction to the AHS Plant Heat Zone

2021
AHS Board members and community win fight to prevent sale of River Farm
2022
AHS celebrates 100 years
2024
Board member Marcia Zech gifts the AHS with $5 million to establish an endowment