Smithsonian, Duke among APGA award winners

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- The American Public Gardens Association (APGA) announced the recipients of its annual merit awards at its 30th annual conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week. Nearly 750  professionals from public gardens across the U.S., and guests from 14 countries worldwide celebrated the accomplishments of their peers, and lauded the excellence of horticulturists through awards begun in 1974.

The APGA Service Award was created in 2004 as the pinnacle celebration of servant leadership to the association. Minimum requirements include management of a professional committee, service committee, and/or holding a board position. Because the Association's strength is based on its volunteer leaders, this award is the nexus of its mission and values. The award was given to Nancy Bechtol – director of facilities engineering and operations, Smithsonian Institution and Gardens

The Award for Garden Excellence is given to the garden that emulates a truly innovative spirit in the development of new programs and has pioneered a comprehensive program in the area of administration, botany, conservation, development, education, gardening, horticulture or research. The award was presented to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens of Duke University.

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