Dean Norton

2020 Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal

Given in honor of his dedication to exemplary preservation of historic landscapes and his commitment to sharing his horticulture expertise.

Proposed by: The Garden Club of Alexandria, Zone VII

J. Dean Norton has worked to re-create an authentic 18th century landscape at George Washington’s Mount Vernon for nearly 50 years. He immersed himself in the 18th century books on farming and landscape design read by President Washington and his contemporaries, resulting in Mr. Norton’s expertise on boxwood, as well as gardening techniques and animal husbandry in colonial times. His tireless research and drive for historical accuracy have changed the contemporary understanding of the horticulture, cultivation, and preservation of 18th century American gardens. He generously shares his extensive horticultural and historical knowledge with students, professionals, gardeners, and historic properties across the country.

The Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Medal is awarded, by specific request, to non-members for exemplary service and creative vision in any field related to The Garden Club of America’s special interests.

Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor (1918–2014) was a member of The Garden Club of Nashville, Zone IX, a GCA director and GCA Executive Committee vice president. She served on the Nominating, Literary, and Founders Fund committees and chaired the Public Relations and Visiting Gardens committees. She was instrumental in the relocation of the Howe Garden to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in 1968 and was a two-term mayor of the city of Belle Meade. She received the Zone IX Creative Leadership Award in 1982 and the GCA’s Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal for outstanding civic achievement in 1991. Elizabeth served on the boards of the American Horticultural Society, Mount Vernon, and Historic Kenmore in Virginia. The award was originally known as the Special Citation (1963–2003). It was endowed by the Elizabeth Craig Weaver Proctor Charitable Foundation in June 2003 and first awarded in 2004.

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