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
Dede Petri
Distinguished Service Medal
For her tireless service on behalf of plants and the spaces created to...
The Center for Plant Conservation
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to The Center for Plant Conservation for its notable work in...
Archives of American Gardens
Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded for distinguished service in the field of horticulture.
Peter S. Wyse Jackson
Distinguished Service Medal
For lifelong leadership in plant discovery and conservation, world-renowned...
David Barnett
Distinguished Service Medal
For tireless stewardship of the horticultural and ecological...
Mary Phipps
Distinguished Service Medal
For her sensitive, informed, and vigilant stewardship of Old Westbury...
Jane Pepper
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to Jane G. Pepper for the exceptional contribution to gardening...
Kris Jarantoski
Distinguished Service Medal
Awarded to Kris Jarantoski for leadership, distinguished service, lifelong...
Florence Leanne Reed
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to Florence Reed. Through her leadership, vision and...
William C. Welch
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to Dr. William C. Welch, horticulturist, author, leader, speaker...
Peggy Bowditch
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to Peggy Bowditch, a skilled grower, exhibitor,...
David Milarch
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to David Milarch for his vision and untiring efforts in founding...
Nancy McLaren
Distinguished Service Medal
For her distinguished service to horticulture as evidenced by her lasting...
New England Wild Flower Society
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to the New England Wild Fower Society. Established in 1900,...
Marco Polo Stufano
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented for his innovative planting ideas, inspiring the thousands who...
Dr. Ronald D. Parker
Distinguished Service Medal
Presented to Ronald D. Parker for his vision and perseverance in the...