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Acceptance Speech for GCA Medal of Honor

On May 23, P. Allen Smith, was presented with the Garden Club of America's prestigious Medal of Honor at the Club's 93rd Annual Meeting Awards Dinner in Denver, Colorado. Smith was chosen for his outstanding efforts to encourage and educate the general public about the rewards of gardening through his books, television programs, internet website, magazines articles and public appearances.

In accepting this distinguished award, Smith made the following remarks:

It is a great honor to receive this prestigious award. It is particularly gratifying to be recognized by fellow gardeners who value and support efforts to increase the knowledge and love of gardening.

Along with the members of the Little Rock Garden Club who championed my nomination, I'd like to acknowledge and thank the many women gardeners who have had a profound influence on my career.

My family, particularly the women, introduced me to the joys of growing plants. Gardening was as natural to them as breathing and just as important. As a child, the flowers that graced our table shared equal status with the food. I can still hear my grandmother tell me that the food was there to nourish our body while the flowers fed our souls. Since those early days I have had the good fortune to meet and work with many inspiring women who found great pleasure in creating living works of art and they encouraged my career in garden design. They continue to remind me that those who spend part of their day gardening are often people who strive to make the world a better place.

The difference one gardener can make in shaping a life is powerful. My life's work is an attempt to pass along what has been so generously given to me. I have also experienced what a group of gardeners can do collectively to create change. The support that the Garden Club of America gives to projects and people who are working for the good of the earth keeps the legacy of a greener planet alive. Thank you for this great honor and the encouragement it provides.