Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Smith

1980 Florens DeBevoise Medal

In recognition of their painstaking work in hybridizing and documenting dwarf evergreens and shrubs at their Watnong Nursery.


The Florens DeBevoise Medal is awarded for outstanding achievement in horticulture and/or education in horticulture.

The Florens DeBevoise Medal was presented by Sasqua Garden Club, Zone II, in memory of Florens Hutchins Lewis DeBevoise (Mrs. Charles DeBevoise: 1886–1951), a charter member of the club. Florens, cofounder of the American Rock Garden Society, was a botanist and authority on landscaping with alpine plants. Rock garden historian Marnie Flook notes, “She conducted extensive experiments with their propagation at her renowned Cronamere Alpine Nurseries prior to closing in 1941. Many rare herbaceous plants and shrubs imported by the US Agricultural Station were sent to her to determine correct cultivation and hardiness in the East. She also developed methods for dwarfing various types of plants, which she exhibited in miniature gardens.” In 2021, the GCA Executive Board adapted the current award description to encourage a broader application. The award was originally intended "for horticultural achievement in the fields of hybridizing, collecting, or nurturing, with a preference to plant material suitable for rock gardens." The medal was designed in 1954 by Mary Taylor Bryan (Mrs. Alden Bryan).

See other winners of this medal
 
 

Discover more

1980

Mrs. Robert (Sally) MacBride

Achievement Medal

For her dedication to horticulture and for her conception and organization,...

Learn More

1980

Dr. John L. Creech

Medal of Honor

A world leader in plant exploration, whose introductions from all over the...

Learn More

1980

Dr. Carl W. Bucheister

Frances K. Hutchinson Medal

For his devotion throughout a distinguished career to conservation...

Learn More

1980

Mrs. Henry Lee Shaw

Margaret Douglas Medal

For her continuing work with the young in conservation education and in...

Learn More

1980

Mr. Richard Gordon Gray, Sr.

Cynthia Pratt Laughlin Medal

In recognition of his concern for the quality of fresh water and for...

Learn More

1980

Marion Brown

Amy Angell Collier Montague Medal

For her lifelong concern with state, civic and community interests and her...

Learn More

1980

Dr. Tom D. Throckmorton

Distinguished Service Medal

In recognition of his remarkable work in hybridizing daffodils and in...

Learn More

1980

Mrs. Bruce Crane

Natalie Peters Webster Medal

For her imaginative use of unusual plants and for her work with the effect...

Learn More