Announcing Greenhouse Grower’s 2021 Medal of Excellence Award Winners
July 17, 2021 After the COVID-19 pandemic made almost every gathering in the horticulture industry a virtual one in 2020, Greenhouse Grower was back in Columbus, OH, this past week, holding its annual Medal of Excellence event on Monday, July 12, during Cultivate’21. The awards reception celebrates those greenhouse operations, plant breeders, technology companies, and other organizations that strive for excellence.
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As expected, there was much of that to be found during the event, which was supported by title sponsor Westrock and program sponsors Gowan, Nufarm, and AmericanHort. Keep reading to learn more about this year’s award winners, and check out the slideshow above for a closer look at all the winners, and highlights from this year’s festivities. A video of the entire program is also available for viewing at the end.
Best Program: Kitchen Minis Program, PanAmerican Seed
This collection includes ready-grown potted vegetable plants that consumers can place inside on a sunny windowsill or counter. They also make great table-top patio varieties.
“We’re excited to be able to offer people an opportunity to grow food even if they don’t have a garden or a patio,” said Josh Kirschenbaum of PanAmerican Seed.
Technology of the Year: Candidus Adaptive Lighting Control
Candidus provides greenhouses consistent lighting conditions and predictable crop production. The controller monitors sunlight in real time and determines how much supplemental light is needed at any particular time. This information is used to control dimmable lights and turn non-dimmable lights on and off to assure that the crop receives the correct Daily Light Integral.
“Our goal is to help growers become more efficient, and it’s a privilege to be able to work with these commercial growers, learn from them, and help the industry become more energy efficient,” said Erico Mattos of Candidus.
Readers’ Choice Award: Mandevilla ‘Sun Parasol Sunbeam’, Suntory Flowers
Sunbeam is the first yellow in Sun Parasol mandevillas. Plants have a bushy habit for hanging baskets and containers. Sunbeam is loaded with buds that bloom 2 to 3 weeks earlier than older varieties.
“This is a recognition not just for this particular variety, but the whole Sun Parasol program which, 20 years ago, revolutionized the Mandevilla market globally,” said Delilah Onofrey of Suntory Flowers.
Innovator Award: One Floral Group
The Innovator award recognizes an individual or company that has developed a breakthrough idea or process that has shown its transformational potential to improve an area in horticulture or impact the industry in a positive way.
One Floral Group was recognized for the innovative approach it has taken to merchandising and becoming a more sustainable company. (Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, One Floral Group was unable to travel to Columbus to accept the award).
Operation of the Year: Dickman Farms
Dickman Farms may just be the definitive model for industry leadership. Much of the ownership/management team is actively involved in organizations like AmericanHort, and the Dickman family has participated in panel discussions on how to properly implement new automation technology, how it persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.
“I’m the fifth generation of a family company, and it’s humbling to be able to stand up here and receive this award,” said Bob Dickman of Dickman Farms.
Editor’s Choice Award: Tropaeolum ‘Baby Rose/Baby Orange’, Sahin/American Takii
This petite-flowered, mounding variety features a beautiful rose color that contrasts nicely with the dark foliage. It is ideal for containers and small space gardens with its compact habit and upright blooms.
“We appreciate your support and recognition, and I accept this on behalf of the entire Takii company,” said Mike Huggett of American Takii.
Industry’s Choice Award: Begonia ‘I’Conia Scentiment Peachy Keen’, Dümmen Orange
The color of this plant is stunning, the habit fits well for containers and baskets, and the flowers are even slightly fragrant. Plants certainly work as stand-alone, but also can easily be used with other plants for striking combinations.
“What a fun plant. We realized that fragrance adds so much to the consumer experience, and when we selected this plant, we said it smells like a winner,” said Emily Mason of Dümmen Orange.
Head Grower of the Year: Steve Garvey, Dallas Johnson Greenhouses
One of the things that makes Garvey stand out is that while he’s certainly all in when it comes to adopting new technology in the greenhouse, he also knows the importance of learning and mastering that technology to make it work for your operation. It’s a mindset he strives to instill in his team, as well.
“Thanks to the support of my team at Dallas Johnson,” Garvey said. “Quality is our constant goal, and we’re getting there.”
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