Awards

The 2023/2024 Award Winners

Horticultural Achievement Award

This award is given to individuals connected to the horticulture industry in Vermont who are over 35 years of age and whose accomplishments have advanced our industry educationally, by plant development or growing, through literature, or through outstanding personal effort.  This award is the most prestigious and distinguished that can be received from the VNLA/Green Works.

Kristina MacKulin
North Ferrisburgh VT
2023 Winner

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In the past two decades, Kristina’s tenure as Executive Director of the VNLA has been nothing short of transformative, marking her as the foremost architect of our industry’s growth and the association’s success. Tasked with navigating the VNLA through financial uncertainty following a significant setback from the annual Flower Show, Kristina’s arrival heralded a new era of resilience and prosperity. Her unwavering dedication, astute leadership, and unparalleled commitment to the association’s advancement have been instrumental in steering us through challenges and fostering a thriving community. Under her stewardship, the VNLA has flourished into a beacon of collaboration and cooperation, thanks to Kristina’s personal touch and tireless efforts. Today, as we honor Kristina with this well-deserved recognition, we pay tribute to her enduring contributions to the VNLA and the horticultural industry in Vermont over the past two decades.

Environmental Awareness Award

This award is given in recognition of an individual that has implemented an environmentally sound practice that contributes to the protection of our environment.

Holly Greenleaf
Greenleaf Design LLC
2023 Winner

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The VNLA/Green Works 2023 Environmental Awareness Award rightly recognizes Holly Greenleaf of Greenleaf Design LLC for her outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship. Holly’s dedication shines through her involvement with Habitat For Humanity projects, where her expertise, sensibility, and humor have made her an invaluable asset. Her focus on shoreline landscaping and preservation is especially vital in the face of increasing environmental challenges like flooding. Holly’s willingness to tackle challenges head-on and her active participation in VNLA committee work have significantly enriched our organization. As an educator, her presentations inspire and inform, leaving attendees with nothing but praise for her expertise and delivery. Holly’s passion for environmental awareness and her unwavering commitment to sustainable practices make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Retailer of the Year Award

This award was established in 2012 and will be presented annually to a retail garden center or greenhouse operation that stands apart for their excellence in any or all of the following categories:  customer service, quality of plant material, knowledge of staff, creativity and innovations in marketing and presentation of retail space, and overall customer experience and satisfaction.

Peet Farm Greenhouse
2023 Winner

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Peet Farm Greenhouses has sprung up in a splash of color in southern Addison County, meeting a great demand in the area with a season spanning from spring bedding plants, perennials and trees & shrubs through to mums in fall and trees and wreaths for the holiday season. The family runs a maple sugaring operation and an excavating business as well, so bulk materials, trucking and planting are offered and the market for additional local products is being considered. Headed up by January Stearns, along with her daughters Carrie Stearns Rainville and Katelyn, husband Sean and son Joshua, the seasonal greenhouse business is revitalizing the family farm through diversification.

A Cornwall, VT native, January has long had a strong commitment to community service and her enthusiasm for gardening is infectious. Having an interest in horticulture since high school, she took classes at the Hannaford Career Center and went on to work for landscaping, retail greenhouse/garden center and florist portions of the industry in Addison County. After raising a family and establishing herself as a successful real estate agent, while running the family excavating business with her husband, she finally returned to the irresistible pull of her love for flowers and plants. January, Carrie and Katelyn particularly enjoy offering a wide variety of annuals, often in limited quantities, to engage customers in the excitement of discovering new plants. Often these are old favorites that have fallen out of fashion but are none the less fabulous, such as annual vinca. Peet Farm Greenhouses has a warm, welcoming atmosphere where customers will find family participation from four generations at any given time during the busy season. In addition to meeting a demand for local jobs and keeping the rural landscape alive, Peet Farm Greenhouses is deeply rooted in Vermont with the family dating back nine generations. It is a great joy to watch them grow!

VNLA Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award

The Young Nursery Professional of the Year award is an annual award established by the New England Nursery Association and has been adopted by the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association in 2019.  Its purpose is to reward, to honor, and to encourage participation, achievement and growth by an individual who is involved in a related horticultural industry and has not reached the age of 40 years, who has shown involvement in his or her state and/or regional nursery association, who has contributed to the growth and success of their company, and who has portrayed an image to the public of what our products and services can do for them.

** NOTE:  This award recipient is selected in December of each year for next year’s award.  All other VNLA/Green Works award nominees are selected by December of each year for the previous year.  All recipients are honored at the VNLA/Green Works annual meeting held in February of each year.

Linzy Vos
Rocky Dale Gardens
Bristol VT
2024 Winner

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Linzy Vos, recipient of the Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award 2024, embodies an unparalleled level of experience and passion within the industry, belying her youthful appearance. Her boundless enthusiasm, optimistic demeanor, and proactive approach set her apart as a true powerhouse. Not only proficient in operating various equipment, Linzy’s innate ability to nurture teamwork and ensure project excellence makes her an invaluable asset, often staying late to guarantee every detail is meticulously executed. A perpetual student of horticulture, Linzy’s thirst for knowledge fuels her leadership and plant expertise, with her organizational skills and attention to detail serving as pillars of her success. Her unwavering dedication to both the VNLA and her colleagues exemplifies true professionalism, enriching our organization immeasurably. Moreover, amidst her dedication to excellence, Linzy’s vibrant personality ensures she remains the life of the party, making her an absolute joy to work alongside.

Allen B. Crane Horticultural Employee Acknowledgement Award

Allen B. Crane

This award will be presented annually and is being sponsored by Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse in honor of Allen B. Crane, head grower there for over 42 years.   Allen was “a great friend, wonderful colleague and an incredible grower”.  Allen passed away in 2013 after a yearlong battle with cancer.   This award is being established in Allen’s honor to recognize the employees that make a difference in the horticultural industry. A cash prize will be awarded to the recipient in the amount of $275.  Nominees must meet the following criteria:  they should be an employee of a member business with a minimum of 5 years employment with that business; nominees must be employed in the horticultural industry, which could also include the field of education; and nominees should be exemplary leaders and display an ability to grow and excel in the workplace and beyond.

Anika Adams
Elmore Roots Fruit Tree Nursery
Elmore VT
2023 Winner

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Anika Adams, the recipient of the Allen B. Crane Horticultural Employee Acknowledgement Award for 2023, has illuminated Elmore Roots Fruit Tree Nursery with her exceptional talent and dedication over the past five years. Starting as a field grower, Anika swiftly ascended to the role of operations manager, becoming the linchpin of our operations. Her profound understanding of plants and wildlife distinguishes her as a luminary in her field, while her versatility shines through in tasks as diverse as deer fence repair and creating elegant invoices. Anika’s commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled, as evidenced by the numerous letters expressing gratitude for her attentive care both in the nursery and in clients’ yards.

Beyond her daily duties, Anika’s initiative is evident in her creation of informative handouts and the design of a self-guided tour map for our edible food forest, enhancing the customer experience. Her recent achievement as the VNLA’s newest Vermont Certified Horticulturalist underscores her expertise and dedication. Anika’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering kindness inspire our entire team to surpass expectations, making her an invaluable asset to our nursery’s success. We are privileged to work alongside Anika, whose love for plants, people, and hard work makes every day a joyous endeavor, regardless of weather or circumstance.

Student Merit Awards

This award is presented to college nominees for students who are pursuing education/careers in the horticulture related fields and have shown academic excellence.  This is a $500 award.

University of Vermont – 2024

Erin Camire

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Erin Camire is currently a senior at The University of Vermont finishing her degree in Forestry with a minor in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture. She is originally from Wilbraham, Massachusetts, home of Friendly’s ice cream! Erin selected UVM to expand her knowledge, make connections and explore the natural world. During the summer following her First Year, she discovered she had a keen interest in plants while doing botanical consulting work on the beautiful farms in the Hudson Valley as part of the Farmscape Ecology Program. Since that point she’s delved into all aspects of plant life, from managing and inventorying numerous acres of UVM’s Research Forests, to planning gardens and crafting landscapes for landowners, both big and small, while working with her mentor, Liz Paquette at Hepatica. This past fall, Erin developed her leadership skills as a teaching assistant for the Woody Landscape Plants class where she conducted the weekly quiz walks with the students. Erin’s most recent endeavor has been cataloguing and mapping all the trees on main campus, as well as inventorying and rating the gardens at UVM for their pollinator-friendliness, as part of UVM’s Sustainable Solutions Lab. After graduating this spring, Erin looks forward to finding a job that incorporates her passions for botany, forestry, horticulture, and design.

Vermont Technical College – 2024

Ryan Winegar

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The Faculty at Vermont Tech’s Landscape Contracting Program nominated Ryan Winegar  for the VNLA Student Merit Award.   Ryan is a curious and engaged student who combines strong academic work with a sense of humor and community. His professors remark on how much Ryan cares about learning and setting himself up for a successful future. He is a top contributor to class discussions, ready to problem-solve, and he makes connections with his experiences outside of class. A forestry major, Ryan is from Hinesburg Vermont and is planning to work in the broader forestry and green industry in Vermont upon graduation.

Past Award Winners:

    Horticultural Achievement Award

2022 Leslie and Peter Van Berkum, Van Berkum Nursery
2021 Carol and Mike MacLeod, Evergreen Gardens of VT
2020 Vincent J. Comai, Burlington City Arborist
2019 Ralph Fitz-Gerald, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2018 Ed Burke, Rocky Dale Gardens
2017 Joan Lynch, The Inner Garden
2016 Lori King, Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm
2015 Paul Wieczoreck, Champlain Valley Landscaping/Lincoln Hill Nursery
2014 David Loysen, Shaw Hill Nursery
2013 Leo Roberts, Horsfords Garden & Nursery
2012 Don and Lela Avery, Cady’s Falls Nursery
2011 Charles Siegchrist – Barber Farm, Inc.
2010 Christopher Conant – Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse
2009 Amy Rose-White, Rocky Dale Gardens
2008 Paul Sokal and Louise Giovanella, Addison Gardens
2007 John and Patti Padua, Cobble Creek Nursery
2006 Thomas F. Wright, Homestead Landscaping
2005 Dan G. Nash, Nash’s Treescape
2004 Leonard Perry, UVM
2003 Bill Countryman, Countryman Peony Farm
2002 Charlie Proutt, Horsford’s Nursery
2001 Holly Weir & Bill Pollard, Rocky Dale Gardens
2000 Greg Williams
1998 Joan Hulbert, Smallwood Nursery
1997 William Horsford
1996 Dennis Bruckel, Grand Isle Nursery
1995 Richard Salter
1994 Elmer Brown, The E.C. Brown Nursery
1993 Norman & Dorothy Pellett
1992 Lewis & Nancy Hill
1991 Richard Stevens, Sr.

    Environmental Awareness Award

2022 Red Wagon Plants
2021 Prides Corner Farms
2020 Nan Jenks-Jay and Carl Phelps, Miller Hill Farm, Nursery & Gardens
2019 David Fried, Elmore Roots Fruit Tree Nursery
2018 Dan Goossen & Jen Baer, Green Mountain Compost District
2017 Nate Carr, Churchill Landscapes, Inc.
2016  Dan Redondo, Vermont Wetland Plant Supply, Inc.
2015  Liz and Jake Guest, Killdeer Farm
2014  Rebecca Lindenmeyr, Linden L.A.N.D. Group
2013  Sarah Salatino, Full Circle Gardens
2012  Chris Conant, Claussen’s Florist & Greenhouse
2011  Sarah Holland – River’s Bend Garden Design
2009  Charlie Proutt and Eileen Schilling, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2008  Tom Stearns, High Mowing Organic Seeds
2007  Karl Hammer, Vermont Compost Company
2006  Anne Mueller, Arcana Gardens and Greenhouses
2004  Common Ground Student Run Educational Farm
2002  Paul Sachs, North Country Organics
2001  Paul Sokal, Addison Gardens
2000  Adam Sherman
1997  Will & Judy Stevens
1996  Don Avery, Cady’s Falls Nursery
1995  SVCEC Horticulture Program
1994  Jim & Mary Musty, J. M. Landscaping
1993  Nancy Volatile Wood
1991  Andrea Morgante

Retailer of the Year Award

2022 Full Circle Gardens
2021 J.M. Landscaping, Nursery & Garden Center
2020 Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery
2019 Claussen’s Florist, Greenhouse & Perennial Farm
2018 Gardener’s Supply Company Garden Centers
2017  Eileen Schilling and Charlie Proutt, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2016  Carol and Mike MacLeod, Evergreen Gardens
2015  Ed Burke, Rocky Dale Gardens
2014  Karen and Jack Manix, Walker Farm
2013  Tobi and Sally von Trapp, von Trapp Greenhouse
2012  Julie Rubaud, Red Wagon Plants

Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award*

2023 Aaron Smith, S & D Landscapes LLC
2022 Pat Toporowski, Vermont Stone & Horticulture
2021 Dave Berg, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2020 Michelle Blow, UVM Greenhouse Facilities
2019 Kristin Sprenkle, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2018  Ashley Robinson, Landscape Designer
2017  David Burton, diStefano Landscaping, Inc.
2016  Hannah Decker, Fairfax Perennial Farm, Inc.
2015  Gabe Bushey, Crafted Landscapes, LLC
2014  Jason Koicuba, Cobble Creek Nursery
2013  Brian Vaughan, Vaughan Landscaping
2012  Nathaniel Carr, Church Hill Landscapes, LLC
2011  Claybrook Griffith, Long Leaf Landscaping, LLC
2010  Shannon Lee, Cobble Creek Nursery
2009  Rebecca Lindenmeyr, Linden Landscaping & Design, Inc.
2008  R. Andrew Burtt, Old Nash Farm & Landscaping
2006  Chris Thompson, White River Valley Gardens & Landscaping
2005  Mark Starrett, UVM
2002  Tim Parsons, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery
2001  Charlie Plonski, Horsfords Gardens & Nursery/New England Nursery Sales
2000  Peter Norris, Greenhaven Gardens & Nursery
1998  Scott Pfister, Vermont Department of Agriculture
1997  Stephen Tworig, North Branch Landscape Co., Inc.
1996  Bill Pedi, Northern Nurseries
1995  Thamasin Sullivan
1994  VJ Comai, South Forty Nursery
1993  Chris Schlegel
1992  Ralph Fitzgerald, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
1991  Pat Seibel

* Formerly a New England Nursery Association Award

Past Recipients of the Allen B. Crane Employee Acknowledgement Award

2022 Ranee “Nee” Russell, Fairfax Perennial Farm
2021 Tori Hellwig, Horsford Gardens & Nursery
2020 Daisy Unsicker, Walker Farms
2019 Lily Belisle, Red Wagon Plants
2018  Geoffrey Swanson, diStefano Landscaping, Inc.
2017  Amy Olmsted, Rocky Dale Gardens
2016  Matthew deWolf. Gardener’s Supply Company
2015  Sally Dunkleman, Cobble Creek Nursery
2014  Besty Gritman, Glebe Mountain Gardens & Landscaping

Past Recipients of Student Merit Awards

University of Vermont

2023 Abigail Chastaine
2022 Alyssa Pasini
2021 Eli Wilson
2020 Josiah Gilbert
2019 Paul Saaman
2018 – Kaly Gonski
2017 – Rowan Payne-Meyer
2016 – Michael Murphy
2015 – Donald Keith, III
2014 – John Davis
2013 – John R. Bruce
2012 – Graham Glauber
2011 – Graham Glauber
2010 – Jesse Ackemann
2009 – Kaitlin May Harris and John F. Holcomb II
2007 – Cole Downing
2006 – Mark Finch
2005 – Kent Martin
2004 – Andrew Burtt

Vermont Technical College

2023 Brandon Schnopps
2022 Aiden Cudhea
2021 Maria Potvin
2020 Kimberly Myers
2019  Hannah Kilburn
2018 – Ben Zaccarra
2017 – David Howes
2016- Lucas Buckley-Jamison
2015 – Oliver Zeichner
2014 – Kim Cayer
2013 – Kelly Pellegrino
2012 – Jackie Fontaine
2011 – Brittny Tyler
2010 – Lisa Hoare
2009 – Jonathan J. Becker
2008 – Lucy Thayer
2006 – Justin Filskov
2005 – Megan Hefner and Rob Moore
2004 – Mark Dumont
2002 – Jeremy Tinker