Announcing the 2025 Great American Gardeners Awards
2025 Great American Gardeners Awards winners (Clockwise from top left): Brian Kemble, Amanda Bratcher, Amy Padolf, Amy Merrick, Stephanie Cohen, and Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. | American Horticultural Society
The American Horticultural Society (AHS) has announced the seven recipients of the 2025 Great American Gardeners Awards. Since 1953, the American Horticultural Society has recognized outstanding individuals and organizations that have excelled in various horticultural fields, such as plant research, garden stewardship, horticultural outreach, and education.
2025 Great American Gardeners Awards Recipients
Liberty Hyde Bailey Award
Winner: Brian Kemble, Curator of The Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery.
Given to an individual who has made significant lifetime contributions to at least three of the following horticultural fields: teaching, research, communications, plant exploration, administration, art, business, and leadership.
Emerging Horticultural Professional Award
Winner: Amanda Bratcher, Horticulture Agent of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Given in the early stages of an individual’s career, this award recognizes significant achievements and/or leadership that have advanced the field of horticulture in America.
Jane L. Taylor Award
Winner: Amy Padolf, Director of Education of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Given to an individual, organization, or program that has inspired and nurtured future horticulturists through efforts in children’s and youth gardening.
Garden Stewardship Award
Winner: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.
Given to a public garden that embraces and exemplifies sustainable horticultural practices in design, maintenance, and/or programs.
Landscape Design Award
Winner: Lauren Springer, planting designer and horticulturist.
Given to an individual whose work has demonstrated and promoted the value of sustainable horticultural practices in the field of landscape architecture.
B.Y. Morrison Communication Award
Winner: Stephanie Cohen, author and speaker.
Recognizes effective and inspirational communication – through print, radio, television, and/or online media – that advances public interest and participation in horticulture.
Frances Jones Poetker Award
Winner: Amy Merrick, floral designer, stylist, writer and teacher.
Recognizes significant contributions to floral design in publications, on the platform, and to the public.
For additional insights and coverage of each award winner, please see the official announcement on the AHS website.
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