Flora Ann Bynum (1987) – Annual Meeting in Charlottesville, Virginia
SGHS awards the Flora Ann Bynum Medal to members who have rendered the organization outstanding and exceptional service. Honoring one of the founding members, it is the highest award SGHS presents. Any current, former, or honorary member of the SGHS Board of Directors (the board) may make nominations. The nomination should contain a cover letter outlining the nominee’s service to SGHS and contributions to its mission and goals, along with additional accomplishments, as well as other awards if applicable. The nomination should include the names and contact information of at least three people especially knowledgeable of the nominee. Nominations should be sent to the SGHS president. The SGHS Scholarship and Awards Committee (awards committee) will make a recommendation to the executive committee which, in turn, will make a recommendation to the board of who must approve the award. The award is usually presented at the annual meeting. Although nominations may be made at any time, January 1 is the deadline for approval and presentation at the respective annual meeting.
2019 Winner – Gordon Chappell (with wife Sherrie)
Winners of the Flora Ann Bynum Medal
Ken McFarland (2022)
Gordon Chappell (2019)
Davyd Foard Hood (2018)
William C. Welch (2016)
J. Dean Norton (2016)
Gail Griffin (2014)
Peter J. Hatch (2012)
Peggy Cornett (2008)
Flora Ann Bynum (2005)
William Lanier Hunt Award
The William Lanier Hunt Award also honors a founding member of SGHS. The award is open to both SGHS members and non-members; nominations may be made at any time by any SGHS member. The award recognizes professionals, accomplished nonprofessionals, and organizations which have made exceptional contributions to fields closely aligned with the mission and goals of SGHS. These fields include, but are not limited to, land conservation, garden design and preservation, landscape and garden history, ecology, botanical art, and botanical and horticultural heritage. The award is equivalent to a lifetime achievement award. Nominations should include a detailed outline of the nominee’s body of work, along with significant accomplishments. The nomination should also include the names and contact information of three people knowledgeable of the candidate. The awards committee will make a recommendation to the executive committee which, in turn, will make a recommendation to the board who give final approval of the award. Although nominations may be made at any time, January 1 is the deadline for approval and presentation at the respective annual meeting.
Winner of the William Lanier Hunt Award
Suzanne Turner (2019)
Honorary Director
The title Honorary Director (SGHS Board of Directors) may be bestowed on individuals who have rendered exceptional service and made significant contributions to SGHS. The distinction is usually conferred upon individuals who have served as officers or board members for a number of years or to others whose long-term work and devotion have significantly advanced the SGHS mission, goals, and objectives. Nominations may be made by any current, former, or other honorary board member. Honorary directors enjoy the rights and privileges described in the bylaws. Nominations should be sent to the SGHS president. The awards committee will make a recommendation to the executive committee who will, in turn, make a recommendation to the board for approval. Nominations should include a detailed cover letter, any supporting materials, and the names and contact information of three people knowledgeable of the nominee. Nominations may be made at any time, but the deadline is January 1 for presentation at the respective annual meeting.
Honorary Directors
Staci L. Catron
A. Jefferson Lewis III
Kenneth M. McFarland
Ben Page
Mary Anne Pickens
William C. Welch
Certificate of Merit
The Certificate of Merit is presented to a member or non-member whose work has advanced the SGHS mission and goals. The certificate may be for a body of work or for an individual project including, but not limited to, restoration of a garden, leadership in a project relevant to SGHS interests, relevant research and discovery, and significant publications. Nominations for Certificates of Merit may be made by any SGHS member, should be sent to the president, and should include a cover letter and specific documentation relevant to the work on which the nomination is based. Nominations should contain contact information for at least one other person knowledgeable of the nominee and work for which the nomination is based. The awards committee will make a recommendation to the executive committee, which will, turn, make a recommendation to the board for approval. Certificates of Merit may be submitted to the president at any time, but the nominations deadline is January 1 for presentation at the upcoming annual meeting.
2019 winner, Norman Kent Johnson (center) giving a tour of his garden design in Mountain Brook, Alabama during the 2019 Annual Meeting.
Winners of the Certificate of Merit
Susan Haltom (2022)
Norman Kent Johnson (2019)
Sally Gant (2018)
Catherine Howett (2015)
Frances D. Inglis (2014)
Marion Drummond (2013)
Davyd Foard Hood (2012)
Jim Cothran (2011)
Margaret Bemiss (2010)
Weej Broderson (2010)
Patti McGee (2010)
Jane White (2010)
