GCA National Medals

A key priority of the GCA is to recognize both members and non-members whose accomplishments and efforts further the GCA purpose. Through various philanthropies, the GCA encourages new talent and rewards achievements of mutual interest.

The Founders Fund Award is a monetary gift given to a club-sponsored project that undergoes a rigorous and thorough proposal process. Granted annually since 1936, it is the only GCA award that is voted on by the entire GCA club membership.

The Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award, named for a member of the Ridgefield Garden Club, is given to individuals involved in the early environmental education of children. This financial award is administered by the GCA's Scholarship Committee.

The Montine McDaniel Freeman Horticulture Medal is unique among GCA awards as it is, in fact, given annually to a plant, not a person or organization. Chosen by the GCA Horticulture Committee, the winner of this prestigious award is known as the GCA Plant of Year.

GCA awards up to 10 national medals a year to nationally or internationally recognized leaders in their fields of study or achievement. From floral design to garden restoration, from rose culture to conservation education, these awards are as varied and prestigious as their recipients. Winners have included Rachel Carson, The PepsiCo Corporation, Ima Hogg, the U.S. Green Building Council, the Rockefeller Family, Dr. Edward O. Wilson, Rene Dubos, Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson, Walt Disney, Helga and David Dawn, and Lila Acheson Wallace. Visionaries all, passionate and influential, these men, women, and organizations have left a profound and lasting impact on the issues that are most important to the Garden Club of America. The GCA is proud to honor them.

Medals & Recipients

Achievement related to GCA interests

• Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal
• Achievement Medal

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Civic Improvement

• Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal

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Conservation

• Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal
• Frances K. Hutchinson Medal
• Margaret Douglas Medal

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Floral Design

• Bonnylin Woods Martin Medal
• Katharine Thomas Cary Medal

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Historic Preservation

• Historic Preservation Medal

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Horticulture

• Eloise Payne Luquer Medal
• Medal of Honor
• Jane Righter Rose Medal
• Florens DeBevoise Medal
• Distinguished Service Medal
• Montine McDaniel Freeman Medal
• Natalie Peters Webster Medal

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Landscape Design

• Elvira Broome Doolan Medal
• Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

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Literary Achievement

• Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

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Photography

• J. Sherwood Chalmers Medal

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