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

 
   
 
 
 

2026

Amy Stewart

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

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

Learn More

2022

Robin Karson

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Robin Karson in recognition of her work in offering readers a...

Learn More

2021

Thomas A. Christopher

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

In recognition of his educational and inspirational horticultural writing,...

Learn More

2019

Marta McDowell

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

For inspiring new generations of readers and gardeners with her meticulous...

Learn More

2017

Andrea Wulf

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

For meticulous historical research revealing the gardening lives of the...

Learn More

2015

Robert McCracken Peck

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

His keen observations as a non-judgmental scientist and gentle man...

Learn More

2013

William Merwin

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to William Merwin, brilliant poet and passionate conservationist,...

Learn More

2012

Garden Club of Mount Desert

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to The Garden Club of Mount Desert, Friends of Acadia and the...

Learn More

2011

William Cullina

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Awarded to William Cullina for literary achievement in horticulture and for...

Learn More

2009

Sally McQueen Squire

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Sally McQueen Squire, For her dedication to and knowledge of...

Learn More

2008

Tovah J. Martin

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Tovah Martin, horticulturist, author, freelance writer, photo...

Learn More

2004

Ken Druse

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Ken Druse, who, through his writing, his teaching, and his...

Learn More

2002

Barbara W. Moore and Weesner

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Gail Weesner has unselfishly used her literary and editorial talents to...

Learn More

1996

Nancy Julian Siler

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Nancy Julian Siler in recognition of her literary achievements...

Learn More

1992

Richard Abel

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

Presented to Richard Abel, founder and editor emeritus of Timber Press, for...

Learn More

1990

W. George Waters

Sarah Chapman Francis Medal

For his leadership as editor of Pacific Horticulture since 1976 in helping...

Learn More