Arthur Hoyt Scott Medal & Award

Outstanding Contribution

The Scott Medal and Award are designed to be given annually to an individual, organization or corporate body who, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, has made an outstanding national contribution to the science and the art of gardening. As specified with the original gift, the purpose of the award is “to promote a greater love of nature, make the nation more conscious of the beauty of the outdoors, develop a greater knowledge and love of plants and flowers, spread the gospel of better planting and designing, and arouse a wider interest in better planting and more beautiful gardens among all citizens.”

In 2023, the cash reward was $20,000, the equivalent in value to the original cash award of $1,000 in 1930.

Nomination Procedure

Nominator must submit a letter of nomination, at least two seconding letters, and a curriculum vitae for a candidate. This documentation must be submitted to the Scott Arboretum by the specified deadline for the year, generally September 30. Electronic submissions are encouraged.

Selection Process

The Scott Medal Fund stipulates the Selections Committee be composed of eight members representing horticultural societies, garden organizations, plant societies, and various horticultural professions.

The President of Swarthmore College or his/her delegate acts as the non-voting Chair of the Committee, and the Director of the Scott Arboretum acts as the non-voting Committee Secretary.

Committee members receive all nominations for review and meet annually. Nominations are held in confidence.

The Medal and Award are generally presented in the spring at the Scott Arboretum. The recipient, who must be present to accept the award, is the keynote speaker on this occasion.

Checklist for Nominations

In nominating candidates for the Scott Medal and Award, please include the following nominee information:

  • Name and current address
  • Plant introductions
  • Education
  • Research
  • Work history
  • Plant society activities
  • Publications
  • Professional involvement
  • Awards
  • TV, radio, public speaking

Please submit your candidate’s curriculum vitae, your letter of nomination, and at least two seconding letters to:

Claire Sawyers, Director
The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
500 College Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081
610-328-8025
FAX 610-328-7755
E-mail: scott@swarthmore.edu

Past Recipients

Past Recipients

2020 – Present

  • 2020: Holly Shimizu
  • 2021: Darrel Morrison
  • 2022: Robert Lyons
  • 2023: Richard Hawke

2010-2019

  • 2010: William McNamara
  • 2011: Harold Pellett
  • 2012: William Cullina
  • 2013: John Fairey
  • 2014: Jane Pepper
  • 2015: Kris Jarantoski
  • 2016: Dale Deppe
  • 2017: R. William Thomas
  • 2018: Paul W. Meyer
  • 2019: Thomas G. Ranney

2000-2009

  • 2000: Panayoti Kelaidis
  • 2001: Marco Polo Stufano
  • 2002: Harrison Flint
  • 2003: Daniel Hinkley
  • 2004: Fred Case
  • 2005: Mayor Richard M. Daley
  • 2006: Richard E. Bir
  • 2007: Allan Armitage
  • 2008: Nina Bassuk
  • 2009: Peter H. Raven

1990-1999

  • 1990: Polly Hill
  • 1991: J.C. Raulston
  • 1992: Charles Lewis
  • 1993: Michael Dirr
  • 1994: William Barrick
  • 1995: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
  • 1996: Edward R. Hasselkus
  • 1997: Francis H. Cabot
  • 1998: Judith Zuk
  • 1999: Peter Del Tredici

1980-1989

  • 1980: Clarence E. Lewis
  • 1981: Elizabeth Scholtz
  • 1982: Richard Lighty
  • 1984: Thomas H. Everett
  • 1985: Gertrude S. Wister
  • 1986: Fred Galle
  • 1987: William Flemer, III
  • 1988: J. Franklin Styer
  • 1989: Francis Ching

1970-1979

  • 1970: Aubrey C. Hildreth
  • 1971: Donald Wyman
  • 1972: May T. Watts
  • 1973: George H.M. Lawrence
  • 1974: George S. Avery
  • 1975: Russell J. Seibert
  • 1976: Raymond C. Allen
  • 1977: Ernesta D. Ballard
  • 1978: H. Lincoln & Laura Louise Foster
  • 1979: John L. Creech

1967-1952

  • 1952: National Council State Garden Clubs
  • 1953: B.Y. Morrison
  • 1956: E.L.D. Seymour
  • 1957: Arno Nehrling
  • 1961: Clarence Godshalk
  • 1963: Henry T. Skinner
  • 1965: Richard Farnham
  • 1967: Frederic Heutte

1930-1949

  • 1930: John C. Wister
  • 1931: Liberty Hyde Bailey
  • 1939: J. Horace McFarland
  • 1941: C. Stuart Gager
  • 1942: Richardson Wright
  • 1944: H. Harold Hume
  • 1947: A.P. Saunders
  • 1949: Ellen Eddy Shaw