Our Story

Entry sign to River Farm that reads "George Washington's River Farm presennted to the American HGorticultural Society by Mrs. Enid A. Haupt 1973" enhanced bya green plant blooming with yellow flowers

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

Cover of the August 1922 issue of The National Horticultural Magazine Cover

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

Philanthropist Enid A. Haupt and First Lady Patricia Nixon stand at the center of attention, surrounded by a crowd of people, cameras, and palpable excitement during the official opening ceremonies of River Farm as the American Horticultural Society headquarters on May 1, 1974.

1981

River Farm opens a Children’s Garden

A child-sized wooden house nestled among tropical trees, lush green grass, and vibrant flowers at the Children's Garden at River Farm, providing a whimsical setting that sparks imagination and creativity in young minds.

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

Heat Zone Map

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