American Horticultural Society's
2006 Great American Gardeners Award Winners

Alexandria, VA – April 3, 2006.

Each year the American Horticultural Society (AHS) honors outstanding members of the horticultural community through its Great American Gardeners Award program. “These awards celebrate the best and brightest in our nation, from scientists who develop tough plants for our gardens to public garden professionals who promote earth-friendly gardening practices to journalists who popularize gardening throughout America,” says AHS President Katy Moss Warner.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

Awarded to a past Board member or friend of the Society to recognize outstanding and exemplary service in support of the Society's goals, services, and activities.

Kathleen Fisher was the editor of the American Horticultural Society’s magazine from 1989 to 1998. Under her leadership, the magazine blossomed into a critically acclaimed publication known for its in-depth articles on plants, design, and influential people. Fisher enhanced the magazine’s traditional emphasis on environmental stewardship and conservation by running hard-hitting articles on topics such as pesticide run-off from lawns and plant theft from national parks. In 1996, Fisher coordinated the redesign of the magazine that coincided with the name change to The American Gardener.

After leaving the AHS, Fisher wrote several books, including The Complete Guide to Water Gardens (2000) and Taylor’s Guide to Shrubs (2000). She served as senior editor for Old House Journal, a Washington, D.C.-based publication from 2002 to shortly before her death in 2005.