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

 
   
 
 
 

2025

Richard Hartlage

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

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

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2023

Darrel Morrison

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

For his ecological restoration, sustainable design work and teaching.

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2002

Leland Bryan Miyano

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Presented to Leland Bryan Miyano, whose knowledge of botany and his...

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2000

John Trexler

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Presented to John W. Trexler, who in only fifteen years, designed,...

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1998

Anne Holt Clark

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

For her extensive and diverse garden reflecting her evolving interests as a...

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1988

The Garden Club of Allegheny County

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

In recognition of its many talented members who had the vision to bring...

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1984

Mrs. John W. S. Platt

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Her garden, incorporating unusual plant material into a design of harmony,...

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1983

Mrs. Harriet Rodes Bakewell

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Each of her landscape projects is unique, but all set a high standard for...

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1982

Mr. Richard L. Turner

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Turner. In recognition of outstanding...

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1982

Nancy Turner

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Turner. In recognition of outstanding...

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1975

Diane Kostial McGuire

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Restorer of ancient gardens, designer of new ones, her scholarly work and...

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1974

Hubert Bond Owens

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Founder and Dean of the University of Georgia School of Environmental...

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1973

Anne Bruce Haldeman

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Talented landscape architect; faithful adherence to absolute purity of...

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1972

Elvira Doolan

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

In recognition of her outstanding achievement in garden design and for the...

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1971

Edith Harrison Henderson

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

Articulate, persuasive and persistent exponent of the art of landscape...

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1970

Richard K.Webel

Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne Medal

For his distinguished career in landscape architecture, as creator of...

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