The American Rhododendron Society 1980 Gold and Silver Medals Awards
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Gold Medal awarded to Edmund V. Mezitt by President Fred Galle
Photo by Emil F. Hager |
Your work as a hybridizer of rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel has created a new standard of adaptability, vigor and beauty for the northeast and other rigorous climates of the United States and Canada.
Your continuous testing and evaluation of new hybrids, your own and others, under conditions of commercial production has increased our knowledge of rhododendron hybrids and made them accessible to thousands for whom they were previously unknown.
Your service to horticulture and to the American Rhododendron Society in particular has been demonstrated as a formulator and first president of the Massachusetts Chapter and as a coveted speaker and judge for other chapters. Your personal qualities of frankness and gentle enthusiasm have served horticulture and its friends throughout North America.
The American Rhododendron Society with pleasure presents The Gold Medal, its highest honor to:
EDMUND V. MEZITT
By unanimous action of the Board of Directors of the American Rhododendron Society, 31 May 1980
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Gold Medal presented to Britt M Smith by President Fred Galle
Photo by Emil F. Hager |
In appreciation of his extraordinary contributions to the culture of the Genus Rhododendron this recognition is given to Britt M. Smith. He has worked diligently for the welfare of the Society with particular interest in
Rhododendron occidentale
for many years, finding, propagating and distributing outstanding clones.
The Society applauds his efforts for the Genus in Sikkim.
For all these activities and many more, The American Rhododendron Society is pleased to grant its highest award, the GOLD MEDAL to:
BRITT M. SMITH
Member of the Tacoma Chapter of the A.R.S.
By unanimous action of the Board of Directors of the American Rhododendron Society - May 31, 1980
THE AMERICAN RHODODENDRON SOCIETY
SILVER MEDAL AWARD CITATION
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Left to right: Robert D. Gartrell, Silver Medal Recipient; Hans Bussink, President Tappan Zee
Chapter; Jerry Goodman, past President N.J. Chapter; Fred Rees, Southeastern Chapter; William Tietjen, President N.Y. Chapter |
Robert Gartrell has devoted a lifetime to the patient hybridizing, extensive testing and careful selection which has culminated in the Robin Hill Azaleas development for which he has won national and international recognition.
The Robin Hill Azaleas exhibit large blooms of soft pastel colors in late May-early June on nicely mounded, hardy plants with beautiful foliage.
Through his generosity, collections of these fine azaleas now exist at the National Arboretum, Callaway Gardens, Planting Field Arboretum, Tyler Arboretum in the U.S.A., Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
As a member of the National Evergreen Azalea Committee, he prepared a detailed paper describing his method of hybridizing and propagating.
In grateful appreciation, the American Rhododendron Society is honored to present the SILVER MEDAL to:
ROBERT D. GARTRELL