Cultivating Beauty. Growing Impact. Since 1912.
Cultivating Beauty. Growing Impact. Since 1912.
For generations, the Garden Club of Cleveland has celebrated individuals and organizations whose dedication, creativity, and leadership have made a lasting difference in our Club and throughout the greater community.
From exceptional achievements in horticulture and floral design to distinguished contributions in conservation, civic improvement, and education, these honors reflect the values that have guided our organization since 1912.
Our awards recognize more than individual accomplishment. They celebrate a shared commitment to stewardship, service, and the belief that thoughtful action can create lasting beauty and meaningful change.
Throughout its history, the Garden Club of Cleveland and its members have received recognition at the club, zone, and national levels of The Garden Club of America.
Among these distinctions is the 1953 Garden Club of America Achievement Medal, awarded to the Garden Club of Cleveland in recognition of its role in establishing the nation’s first garden center. This honor reflects the Club’s longstanding commitment to horticultural education and community enrichment.
Other significant recognitions have celebrated leadership in civic beautification, the preservation of natural spaces, and the advancement of environmental stewardship throughout Northeast Ohio.
Together, these achievements tell the story of an organization whose influence extends far beyond the garden.
Excellence takes many forms. Some contributions are visible in the landscapes and public spaces we enjoy today. Others are found in the knowledge shared, the people mentored, the organizations strengthened, and the traditions carried forward.
We are proud to recognize the members, community partners, and fellow organizations whose accomplishments continue to enrich the legacy of the Garden Club of Cleveland.
Flower shows provide an opportunity to celebrate the artistry, knowledge, and dedication of gardeners, floral designers, photographers, and botanical artists.
Through distinguished awards and recognitions, the Garden Club of Cleveland honors exceptional work while encouraging learning, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence.
Several of these awards also commemorate members whose generosity, expertise, and enthusiasm have left a lasting impression on the Club.
The accomplishments recognized here represent generations of dedication, but our story is far from complete. Through continued leadership, education, conservation, and civic engagement, the Garden Club of Cleveland remains committed to the pursuit of excellence and the enrichment of our community.
1930 Gold Horticulture Medal – Mrs. William G. Mather for a Spanish cloister garden in the Cleveland Flower Show
1953 GCA Achievement Medal – Garden Club of Cleveland for its creative conception of the Garden Center of Cleveland
1962 Margaret Douglas Medal – Mrs. Joseph H. Thompson for her work on the Ohio Billboard Legislation
1968 Jane Righter Rose Medal – Melvin E. Wyant for his leadership, generosity and high achievement in an outstanding career in rose culture.
1976 Amy Angell Coller Montague Medal – Mrs. Thomas Vall for children’s Garden Fair and work on redevelopment of public square – “For her extraordinary vision and dedication resulting in outstanding civic accomplishments.”
2000 GCA Founders Fund Awards – GCC and Shaker Lakes Garden Club shared jointly for the Banks Baldwin Project, “The Little Yellow House”
2002 Elizabeth Abernathy Hull Award for Early Childhood Education – Mr. Terry Harmon, sponsored by Mrs. Clyde L. Nash, Jr, for his outstanding achievements of individuals furthering the early environmental education of children
2005 Amy Collier Montague Medal National Award – Mrs. Robert York White, Connie, for her 40 years of service to GCA with energetic leadership in civic beautification preservation and environmental issues in her community – culminating in her election as mayor of the historic village of Gates Mills, Ohio
2011 Francis K. Hutchinson Award – Stuart N. Conway for his outstanding achievement in conservation and his leadership of Trees, Water & People
2013 GCA Honorary Membership – Dr. James K. Bissell, Cleveland Museum of National History, for among many other things, his field work with native plants and ability to raise funds to protect them has influenced the preservation and protection of many wild and unspoiled habitats in our vanishing natural areas
1971 Zone Horticulture Award
Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole, Jr.
1974 Horticulture Award
Mrs. Raymond F. Evans
1975 Zone Conservation Award
Mrs. John B. Hollister
1980 Zone Horticulture Award
Mrs. Robert Y. White
1982 Creative Leadership
Mrs. R. Henry Norweb, Jr.
1987 Zone Horticulture Award
Mrs. Whitney Evans
1989 Zone Horticulture Therapy
Mrs. Lincoln Reavis
Mrs. James Stevenson
1992 Horticulture Award
Mrs. Robert K. Schafer
1993 Zone Conservation Award
Mrs. James Lipscomb
1996 Civic Improvement Award
Mrs. Martha Patt Thompson
1998 Horticulture Award
Mrs. James P. Rucker
1998 Civic Improvement Award
Garden Club of Cleveland for Star Plaza Project (shared jointly with Shaker Lakes Garden Club)
1999 Horticulture Award
Mrs. Montgomery Frazier
1999 Historic Preservation Award
Mrs. Frank I. Harding, III
2003 Zone Civic Improvement Award
Mrs. William Barnes, IV
2003 Zone Conservation Award
Mrs. Alton Whitehouse, III
Mrs. R. Breck Denny
2004 Club Certificate of Appreciation
Mrs. Walter A. Bates
2006 Club Certificate of Appreciation
Mrs. Harvey O. Meirke, Jr.
2007 Club Horticulture Achievement Commendation
Mrs. Lute A. Quintrell
2007 Club Appreciation Commendation
Mrs. Patrick C. O’Brien, Jr.-” The Garden Club of Cleveland presents this commendation to you for outstanding service and commitment to the club.”
2007 Club Flower Arrangement Achievement Award
Mrs. W. Hayden Thompson
2008 Club Appreciation Award
Mrs. Charles McConnell– “Presented to you, a valued and admired member, in recognition of exceptional dedication to excellence in all endeavors.”
2008 Club Conservation Award
Mrs. Clyde Nash– “For continued dedication, education and inspirational leadership. Deb is a Garden Club of Cleveland member for all seasons.”
2009 Barbara Spaulding Cramer Floral Design Education Zone Award
Mrs. Hans Luders – “In recognition for being a consummate flower arranger and dedicated teacher.”
2009 Club Appreciation Award
Mrs. John B. Schulze– “With whole-hearted support, The Garden Club of Cleveland commends Doctor Sally Reddig Schulze for sixteen years of dedicated service.”
2009 Club Floral Design Achievement Award
Mrs. Forrest Norman– “For excellence in the field of flower arrangement within the club and her community.”
2010 Club Photography Award
Sally Brown– “In recognition of her on-going pursuit of excellence, her enthusiasm, and her willingness to mentor others, we salute Sally Brown, our club’s most dedicated photographer.”
2011 Club Appreciation Award
Iris Harvie (Mrs. Thomas C.)- “For her dedicated and sustained efforts to promote friendship and the love of horticulture in the Garden Club of Cleveland.”
2012 Club Appreciation Award
Connie Abbey (Mrs. Paul R.)- “With appreciation for her delightful presentation of the Garden Club of Cleveland’s 100-year history in “epistolary” form. We have enjoyed them all!”
2012 Club Conservation Commendation
Harvey Webster, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
2013 Club Conservation Commendation
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
2014 Club Appreciation Award
Claudia Fulton (Mrs. David C.) – “In grateful recognition of her leadership and perseverance contributing to the opening of the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.”
2015 Club Communication Award
Katie Outcalt (Mrs. Kenneth W.)- “In recognition of her creativity and thoughtful editing of the Garden Club of Cleveland’s newsletter, the Compost.”
2015 ZONE Civic Improvement Award
Claudia Fulton (Mrs. David C.) – In recognition of her vision for transformation and her sustained dedication to the creation of Cleveland’s unique, public natural treasure, “The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.”
2015 ZONE Civic Improvement Commendation
Ann Zoller, LAND Studio
2016 Club Appreciation Award
Dale Naylor– “With our gratitude for their gracious leadership, exceptional organizational skills and thorough oversight of the educational and highly successful 2015 Zone X Meeting.”
2016 Club Appreciation Award
Margaret Wilson- “With our gratitude for their gracious leadership, exceptional organizational skills and thorough oversight of the educational and highly successful 2015 Zone X Meeting.”
2017 Zone Appreciation Award
Dale Naylor – “In honor of her sustained commitment to The Garden Club of America, serving Zone X and national interests with leadership, skill and generosity.”
2017 Zone Judging Award
Lorna Mierke – “In honor of her lifetime dedication to the art of floral design, and her extraordinary commitment to GCA judging, exhibiting, teaching and mentoring.”
2017 Club Communication Award
Brooke Slater– “With appreciation for her talents and enthusiastic commitment to producing a creative and effective club newsletter, The Compost.”
2017 Club Photography Award
Deb Fitzgerald– “In recognition of her commitment to excellence and her inspired creativity in the field of Photography.”
2018 Club Appreciation Award
Lynn Shiverick– “With much appreciation for all she does to support our club in so many ways.”
2018 Club Communications Award
Deb Fitzgerald – “With much appreciation for her beautiful and creative efforts in designing our club newsletter, The Compost.”
2018 Club Conservation Award
Marcie Thompson– “With much appreciation for her tireless advocacy for the health of the Great Lakes of North America and their tributaries.”
2018 Club Floral Design Achievement Award
Margaret Wilson– “With much appreciation and recognition for sustained devotion, advocation and leadership in Floral Design within our club.”
2019 Club Horticulture Award
Mary Reynolds– “Given in recognition of her enthusiasm for the beauty and rewards of propagating and growing plants and entering the results in flower shows.”
2019 Zone Floral Design Achievement Award
Margaret Wilson – “In recognition of her artistic excellence, commitment to the practice and enthusiasm for floral design and her willingness to inspire and share with others.”
2021 Club Horticulture Award
Kristi Webster – “In recognition of her outstanding achievements in sharing the joy and knowledge of gardening and propagation through workshops and monthly gardening tips.”
2021 Club Appreciation Award
CeCe Graham – “With great appreciation for her dedicated and creative work in engaging and inspiring our Provisional members throughout the pandemic year.”
2021 Club Communications Award – Jill Glubiak – “With gratitude for her creative and innovative work on The Compost distributing club news in a meaningful and entertaining way.”
2022 Club Appreciation Award
Katie Outcalt – “In appreciation for her consistent and conscientious work ethic, her dependability, organization, and dedication in advancing the mission of our club.”
2022 Club Conservation Award
Jill Glubiak – “With deep appreciation for her guidance, perseverance, and commitment to native restoration of the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.”
2023 Club Floral Design Achievement Award
Cindy Hollister – “In recognition of her dedication to the discipline of floral design, demonstrated by her enthusiasm and willing participation in design programs, workshops, and flower shows.”
2023 ZONE -Barbara Spaulding Cramer Zone Floral Design Education Award
Margaret Wilson – “In recognition of her continuing enthusiasm to teach and mentor others in floral design through conferences, workshops and flower shows in the zone and beyond.”
2023 Club Horticulture Award
Jill Glubiak – “In recognition of her perseverance and dedication to horticulture education and practice within her club and community.”
2023 Club Photography Award
Lynn Shiverick – “In recognition of excellence in photography; her enthusiasm and willingness to teach, share the creativity and principles of photography, judge and participate in flower shows.”
2023 ZONE Photography Award
Lynn Shiverick – “For her enthusiastic support and ability to share the beauty and art of photography through leadership, creating programs and workshops in our zone and beyond.”
2023 Club Appreciation Award
Laura Fulton Pinnick – “In appreciation of her initiative to revise our club’s grant program and create the fund-raising event needed to support more grants within our community.”
2025 Club Appreciation Award
Deb Fitzgerald and Karry Hatch – “With grateful appreciation for their critical roles in spearheading, maintaining the content and integrity of our club website, social media presence and enhancing club communications.”
2025 Club Civic Improvement Award
Katie Outcalt – “With appreciation for her creativity and insight in developing GCC’s Seeding Growth Grant Program along with successfully involving club members in the decision making process.”
2025 Club Communications Award
Nancy Forhan – “In recognition of her commitment towards creatively designing the monthly Compost through her talents in graphic design and computer technology with inspiring enthusiasm.”
2025 Zone X Conservation Commendation
Dr. David J. Burke, PhD. of Holden Forests & Gardens,
Nominated by GCC:”In recognition of his visionary science-based leadership in forest conservation, biodiversity, and restoration through research, education and collaboration promoting resilience, stewardship, and native ecosystems.”
2026 Club Appreciation Award
Julie Cronin – In recognition of her steadfast commitment, expert legal counsel, and generous service in strengthening our governance and advancing our mission.
2026 President’s Distinguished Service Award
Cindy Resch – “In recognition of her service as Chair of the
Garden Club of America’s Investment Committee. Cindy’s leadership helped shape the policies and practices which keep GCA on strong financial footing, benefiting our club and generations of GCA members to come.”
2026 President’s Above & Beyond Award
Jane Hargraft and Elizabeth Morris – “In recognition of their willingness to serve an additional year as GCC Treasurer and GCC Assistant Treasurer, stepping up and ensuring continuity in our financial operations.”
2026 President’s Club Spirit Award
Brooke Slater – “In recognition of her exceptional leadership, generosity, creativity, and positive spirit.
Brooke consistently steps forward to embrace new challenges, contributing in countless ways to the success of our club, making GCC a stronger and more welcoming organization.
Above all, she is a friend to all who have the pleasure of working alongside her.”
1932
Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole for two gardens in the Cleveland Flower Show
1971
Mrs. Thomas V.H. Vail for Civic Achievement
1973
Mrs. Daniel B. Ford for Horticulture
1976
Mrs. Henry Norweb, Jr. for Civic Achievement
Mrs. Robert York White for Civic and Horticulture Achievement
1982
Mrs. Lincoln Reavis and Mrs. James Stevenson for Horticulture Achievement
1982
Mrs. David Crocker for Civic Achievement
1991
Mrs. Robert M. Clements for Civic Achievement
Mrs. Frederick Foote for Historic Preservation
Mrs. Benjamin P. Bole, Jr. for Conservation, Horticulture, and Civic Achievement
1994
Mrs. John B. Hollister for Horticulture
1996
Jointly to Mrs. William E. Conway and Mrs. Montgomery Frazier for Civic Improvement (Plant the Plaza)
1999
Mrs. Courtney Taplin for her outstanding efforts co-chairing the GCA Annual Meeting in Cleveland
2000
Mrs. Nelson Talbott for Civic Achievement, Conservation, Horticulture, and Inspirational Leadership
2004
Julie Lucas Tuttle (Mrs. William O.)
2005
Penny Theis (Mrs. Stuart)
2006
Sunnie Hellman (Mrs. Peter)
2008
Mimi Sposito (Mrs. Robert) – “With whole-hearted support, the Garden Club of Cleveland salutes you with this Club Medal of Merit for 25 years of dedicated service.”
2010
Kathy Moroscak (Mrs. Richard J.)
2012
Carolyn Batcheller (Mrs. William G.) – “In appreciation of her many thoughtful and artistic contributions to the Garden Club of Cleveland. She “raises the bar” of dedication for us all!”
2015
Lorna Mierke (Mrs. Harvey O.) – “Her patient mentoring, generosity, and sustained efforts have reawakened the love of flower arranging for our members.”
2016
Paula Coleman (Mrs. Robert S.) – “In recognition of her generous spirit and quiet leadership in Conservation, Horticulture and Floral Design, and her dedicated participation in all aspects of club activities.”
2021
Laura Fulton Pinnick (Mrs. Theodore) – “In recognition and deep appreciation for her creative, visionary leadership, tireless enthusiasm, and outstanding dedication to our mission promoting education and continued community enhancement.”
2023
Connie Norweb Abbey (Mrs. Paul R.) – “With appreciation for her wise and inspirational leadership of our club with selfless and enduring commitment.”
2025
Mebby Brown – “With deep appreciation for her dedication and zeal as the ‘hostess with the mostest.’ Her style, grace and effortless charm are an inspiration to all!”
FLOWER SHOW DOROTHY VIETOR AWARD
FLOWER SHOW HARRIET DEWAELE PUCKETT CREATIVITY AWARD
FLOWER SHOW SANDRA BAYLOR NOVICE AWARD
FLOWER SHOW GCA BEST IN SHOW FLORAL DESIGN
GCC FLOWER SHOW LORNA HALL MIERKE AWARD in FLORAL DESIGN
FLOWER SHOW BEATTIE MEDAL in Horticulture
FLOWER SHOW CLARISSA WILLEMSEN HORTICULTURE PROPAGATION AWARD
FLOWER SHOW ROSIE JONES HORTICULTURE AWARD
FLOWER SHOW GCA NOVICE AWARD IN HORTICULTURE
FLOWER SHOW GCA BEST IN SHOW HORTICULTURE AWARD
GCC FLOWER SHOW JEAN FRAZIER AWARD IN HORTICULTURE
FLOWER SHOW GCA NOVICE AWARD IN PHOTOGRAPHY
FLOWER SHOW GCA PHOTOGRAPHY CREATIVITY AWARD
FLOWER SHOW BOTANICAL ARTS CREATIVITY AWARD
FLOWER SHOW GCA NOVICE AWARD IN BOTANICAL ART
FLOWER SHOW BEST IN SHOW BOTANICAL ARTS
FLOWER SHOW GCA MARION THOMPSON FULLER BROWN CONSERVATION AWARD
FLOWER SHOW GCA ANN LYON CRAMMOND AWARD
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CONSERVATION
HORTICULTURE
FLORAL DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY
The GCA established the Founders Fund in 1934 to encourage and support civic projects. Each year, member clubs are invited to submit projects for consideration for this award. The Founders Fund Committee selects three projects to be presented to the President’s Council and at the Annual Meeting where attending club presidents vote their club’s choice. The initial award in 1936 was $700; now the award is $30,000 with $10,000 awards presented to the two runners-up.
Zone X has won the Founders Fund Award five times:
Because of members’ energy and vision through the years, thousands of acres of land have been saved, historic landmarks restored, civic plantings encouraged, and research and education sponsored, all to benefit their greater communities.
Established in memory of Jean Frazier, a skillful, generous, and dedicated horticulturist, this award honors an outstanding horticultural specimen or entry exhibited by a Garden Club of Cleveland member. To qualify, the entry must have earned a blue ribbon.
Celebrating the joy and artistry of floral design, this award recognizes a design that best embodies the enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity of Lorna Hall Mierke. Known for her expertise in Ikebana and her patient encouragement of fellow designers, Lorna’s influence continues through this recognition. Eligible entries must place first, second, or third.
