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

Hope Taft

Achievement Medal

An inspiring and steadfast advocate for the use of native plants in...

Mary Pat Matheson

Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal

For visionary leadership in the field of public garden management

Uli Lorimer

Distinguished Service Medal

For dedication to conserving the genetic diversity of native plants and the...

The Nature Conservancy

Ellen Harvey Kelly Medal

For its work to protect and conserve the planet’s lands and waters...

American Society of Botanical Artists

Eloise Payne Luquer Medal

For conveying the beauty and botanical characteristics of plants...

Douglas Hoerr

Elvira Broome Doolan Medal

For original and transformational urban landscape design

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For its global leadership in the promotion of human and environmental...

Sara Cedar Miller

Historic Preservation Medal

For her commitment to the restoration of Central Park and preservation of...

Todd Forrest

Medal of Honor

For communicating and demonstrating the value of horticulture as an...

Amy Stewart

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

For writing that engages, entertains, and informs a unique view of the...

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...