In Memoriam: Bonnylin Woods Martin

October 19, 2022

Floral Designer’s Creativity Inspired a GCA Medal

Bonnylin “Bonny” Woods Martin, a distinguished flower arranger, horticulturist, GCA emeritus judge in floral design and horticulture, and member of the Memphis Garden Club, died on February 2, 2022.  

Considered one of the GCA’s most creative floral designers, Bonny traveled the world to share her love of arranging flowers. Japan was an especially favorite destination due to her interest in Bonsai art and rare oriental plants. Back home in her Memphis garden she cultivated unique rose varieties. 

In 1998, the GCA’s Bonnylin Woods Martin Medal was endowed in her honor. Today it is awarded annually to a club member who creates the most consistently innovative floral designs. 

Bonny served as Zone IX director 2001-03 and as GCA parliamentarian 2007-09.  She was chair of the Admissions, Flower Show, and Public Relations committees, served as GCA historian, and was a member of the Board of Associates.

She received the Natalie Peters Webster Medal in 1982 and the Katharine Thomas Cary Medal in 2012.  She won the Catherine Beattie Medal eight times; Certificate of Excellence in Horticulture three times; Zone Horticulture Award three times; Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award; Zone Floral Design Achievement Award; Creative Leadership Award, and Medal of Merit.

Once described as “The Flower of Memphis” in a local newspaper article, Bonny was a dedicated volunteer and community builder who championed city parks. A thoughtful and enthusiastic host, she created spaces that encouraged laughter and fun. Those qualities live on in GCA club members’ innovative and inspirational floral designs.

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