The Award of Merit recognizes an American Public Gardens Association individual member who has performed with distinction in the field of public horticulture and has excelled as a public garden professional at one or more institutions.
The recipient's accomplishments can support public gardens in many ways, including but not limited to botany, horticulture, operations, maintenance, conservation, gardening, research, extension, education, marketing, visitor services, development, or administration.
The intent is that this award be given to an individual during the mid-to-latter part of their career.
Self-submission is welcome and encouraged.