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
Amy Stewart
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
For writing that engages, entertains, and informs a unique view of the...
Robin Karson
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Robin Karson in recognition of her work in offering readers a...
Thomas A. Christopher
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
In recognition of his educational and inspirational horticultural writing,...
Marta McDowell
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
For inspiring new generations of readers and gardeners with her meticulous...
Andrea Wulf
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
For meticulous historical research revealing the gardening lives of the...
Robert McCracken Peck
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
His keen observations as a non-judgmental scientist and gentle man...
William Merwin
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to William Merwin, brilliant poet and passionate conservationist,...
Garden Club of Mount Desert
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to The Garden Club of Mount Desert, Friends of Acadia and the...
William Cullina
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Awarded to William Cullina for literary achievement in horticulture and for...
Sally McQueen Squire
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Sally McQueen Squire, For her dedication to and knowledge of...
Tovah J. Martin
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Tovah Martin, horticulturist, author, freelance writer, photo...
Ken Druse
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Ken Druse, who, through his writing, his teaching, and his...
Barbara W. Moore and Weesner
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Gail Weesner has unselfishly used her literary and editorial talents to...
Nancy Julian Siler
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Nancy Julian Siler in recognition of her literary achievements...
Richard Abel
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
Presented to Richard Abel, founder and editor emeritus of Timber Press, for...
W. George Waters
Sarah Chapman Francis Medal
For his leadership as editor of Pacific Horticulture since 1976 in helping...