JARS v38n3 - Veitch Memorial Medal

Veitch Memorial Medal
Dr. Henry T. Skinner

The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society recently conferred The Veitch Memorial Medal on Dr. Henry T. Skinner, former Director of the U.S. National Arboretum. The medal was awarded for his great work for horticulture worldwide both before and since his retirement. This is the highest honor that can be given a foreign national by the Royal Horticultural Society to persons who have helped in the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture. Dr. Skinner developed the national plant hardiness zone map that is basic to our understanding of where horticultural plants may be expected to thrive in the United States. In addition, he is a recognized authority on our native azaleas and has developed several hybrids from them. The gold medal was presented to Dr. Skinner at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in London in late February.

Presently retired in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Dr. Skinner still pursues an active horticultural life, involving himself in several committees that further horticulture, writing, and continuing his early interest in the taxonomy and distribution of native azaleas.