Raleigh, NC – During the Perennial Plant Association’s (PPA) 2023 National
Symposium in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, eight extraordinary perennial professionals were
honored for their exceptional contributions to the industry with Special Recognition Awards.
Initiated in 1985 by PPA, the Special Recognition Awards program honors individuals in eight, unique
categories for their distinguished work. This year’s awards and recipients are:
- The Award of Merit to Roy Diblik of Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, WI. This award is
given for significant contribution to the herbaceous perennial plant industry in growing, marketing,
contracting, writing, teaching, extension, research, landscaping, hybridizing, promotion, or
innovation. Roy’s accomplishments are notable and extensive – plantsman, grower, author,
designer, speaker, and staunch advocate for the intersection of horticulture and natural plant
communities. From his public designs at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute to the
much-lauded book, The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden, to several significant plant
introductions, Roy’s contributions to the perennial plant industry are widespread and have
touched many. - The Educator Award to Paul Zammit, Professor of Horticulture and Environmental Studies at
Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. This award celebrates exceptional leadership in
education to the perennial industry. Paul spent many years sharing his skills and expertise with
the public at a retail garden center in Toronto and then as Director of Horticulture at the Toronto
Botanical Garden. He joined the faculty at Niagara College in 2020, where he continues to shape
the future of the perennial plant industry through student engagement. - The Garden Media Promoter Award to Tony Spencer. This award recognizes an individual in
the media whose educational and promotional efforts result in heightened public awareness of
the work done by the perennial plant industry. Tony shares his work and that of others through his
blog, The New Perennialist, via the popular Dutch Dreams Facebook group, and in published
articles. His efforts have fostered and enriched discussion of perennial-focused design. - The Retail Sales Award to The Growing Place, based in the Greater Chicago Area. This award
recognizes a commercial representative instrumental in making an operation progressive and
successful in outstanding sales and service. The Growing Place, which has been family owned
and operated since 1936, has locations in Naperville and Aurora, IL. Started as Emma’s
Perennials and rebranded in 1976 as The Growing Place, they offer inspirational gardens, a wide
plant selection, knowledgeable staff, and gardening fun. They’ve been delighting customers with
unique experiences for decades. - The Young Professional Award to Sayde Heckman-Taber, Garden and Arboretum Manager at
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood, KY. This award recognizes a talented and diligent
newcomer to PPA who has demonstrated involvement in the organization, contributed to the
success of their company, and has portrayed a positive image of the industry to the public. Sayde
excelled as a horticultural student, has built her professional knowledge at Yew Dell and with
PPA, and is well on her way to being a leader in the perennial industry. - The Grower Award to Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ. This award recognizes a perennial
grower who holds high standards of production, maintains high quality plants, and seeks
innovation while respecting the requirements of the perennial industry. Pleasant Run provides
new and garden-worthy plants to the discerning garden world, maintaining quality and integrity
across multiple generations of nursery professionals. - The International Contributor Award to Future Plants, Hillegom, The Netherlands. This award
is given for outstanding contributions to the herbaceous perennial industry in the international
arena. Future Plants has been bringing new plants to the U.S. market for over 25 years, including
successful selections like Perovskia ‘Little Spire’, Salvia ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, and the Astilbe
Vision series. - The Service Award to Liz Klose a horticultural professional based in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON.
This award goes to an individual who has contributed considerable time and effort by serving on
committees, diligently attending meetings, motivating the membership to act on concerns within
our industry, and demonstrating leadership and organizational skills. Liz has provided outstanding
service on the PPA Board of Directors and on PPA National Symposium local planning
committees. She has supported young professionals going into the perennial industry and has
contributed to industry organizations at the international, national, and local community levels.
The Perennial Plant Association extends a huge congratulations to the 2023 award recipients! To learn
more about the recipients and the awards program please visit
https://perennialplant.org/page/SpecialRecognitionWinners
The Perennial Plant Association is a trade association composed of growers, retailers, landscape
designers and contractors, educators, and others that are professionally involved in the herbaceous
perennial industry. With a mission to connect professionals, provide education and promote perennial
plants, the association has served the horticultural industry since 1984.
For more information visit www.perennialplant.org.
