At the Massachusetts Horticultural Society's annual Honorary Medals Gala Dinner we honor individuals of great merit in the world of horticulture by awarding coveted medals in appreciation of their service, accomplishments and records of achievements. Considered among the most prestigious horticultural awards in America, buy your ticket early to join us for a very special night you won’t forget.

AWARD PRESENTATIONS

George Robert White Medal of Honor Recipient

Dr. Michael A. Dirr

MHS is proud to honor this legendary horticulturist and retired professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia. Whether saving homeowners from wasting hundreds of dollars on the wrong trees or delivering passionate rants on his favorite plants, Dirr’s scientific and popular publications become ‘instant classics’. His plant introduction program has contributed over 50 new plants to the industry and has been emulated worldwide. Through his teaching, research and writing he has influenced a generation of students, nurserymen, and gardening organizations, and made an immeasurable impact on the green industry.

Jackson Dawson Memorial Award
Robert L. Johnston, Jr.
Founder, Johnny’s Selected Seeds
Winslow, ME

Thomas Roland Medal
The Huntington Family
Pleasant View Gardens
Loudon, NH

MHS Gold Medals
Deborah Howard
Landscape Designer
Howard Garden Design
West Newton, MA

Julie Moir Messervy
Landscape Architect & Author
Saxtons River, VT

Les Mehrhoff
Director, Invasive Plant Atlas of New England
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut

MHS Silver Medals
Bob Childs
Instructor, University of Massachusetts
and UMass Extension
Amherst, MA

Coastal Maine Botanic Garden
Boothbay, ME

Schedule of Events

6:00 p.m.
Cocktails and Live Music in the Italianate Garden

7:00 p.m.
Elegant Dinner in the Hunnewell Building
Awards Presentations by Special Guests

Featuring Master of Ceremonies
Kevin Lemanowicz
Chief Meteorologist
FOX25 News

8:00 p.m.
Keynote Address
Dessert and Coffee

Proceeds from this special event benefit excellence in horticulture through internships with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.

Read the press release.