NATIONAL MEDALISTSHighest Honors for Distinguished Achievements

Get to know the recipients of the GCA's national medals, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals for distinguished achievements in areas related to its purpose.

Annually, the GCA honors up to ten individuals or organizations with our highest honor – a national medal. These individuals and organizations have left a profound and lasting impact on the issues that are most important to The Garden Club of America. From floral design to garden restoration, from rose culture to conservation education, these awards are as varied and prestigious as their recipients.

Medalist Directory

Lewis Miller

Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal

For building community and inspiring civic pride through floral artistry...

Peggy Moore

Bonnylin Woods Martin Medal

For her creativity, dedication to the development of the art of floral...

Betty and Robert Balentine

Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal

For their work to sustain the natural ecosystems of the Blue Ridge...

Millicent Pitts

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

For promoting global innovation in support of healthy oceans and a...

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Eloise Payne Luquer Medal

For her research and inspirational writing on the topics of ecological...

Bowen Blair

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For sustained commitment to preserving open space for all and restoring...

Olivia Parker

J. Sherwood Chalmers Medal

For a distinguished career capturing the beauty and wonder of nature and...

Julie Spear

Katharine Thomas Cary Medal

For dedication to floral design education.

Richard Hartlage

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

For garden designs that invite engagement with horticulture and integrate...

Phyllis Lee

Natalie Peters Webster Medal

For sharing her knowledge and spreading the joy of horticulture to her...

Lisa Ott

Achievement Medal

For her dedication to the environment and for personifying the GCA’s...

Bren Smith

Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal

For changing how we sustainably farm and feed people and impacting how we...

Save the Sound

Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal

For its work to protect natural resources surrounding the Long Island Sound...

Dede Petri

Distinguished Service Medal

For her tireless service on behalf of plants and the spaces created to...

David A. Rubin

Elvira Broome Doolan Medal

For his holistic and innovative approach to urban design and development.

Rick Darke

Florens DeBevoise Medal

For his outstanding work as a horticulture expert, garden storyteller, and...