WELLESLEY, MA – July 27, 2026 — Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS) will host its 122nd Honorary Medals Dinner on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley, MA, recognizing nine leaders whose work has advanced the art, science, and practice of horticulture. This ceremony celebrates a 195-year tradition of awarding medals to individuals and organizations for their contributions to horticulture for the public good, while marking the introduction of the R. Wayne Mezitt Medal – the first new medal established since 1927.

Receiving MHS’s highest honor for eminent service in the field of horticulture is Sharon Loving, former Vice President of Horticulture at Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, PA). The George Robert White Medal of Honor recognizes Loving’s decades of leadership at Longwood Gardens, where she guided horticultural operations, strategic planning, and the stewardship of one of the world’s most recognized garden institutions. Loving will also deliver the keynote at the ceremony.

The inaugural recipient of the R. Wayne Mezitt Medal is Drew Schuyler, Assistant Head Gardener of Untermyer Gardens Conservancy (Yonkers, NY). Created to permanently commemorate the legacy of R. Wayne Mezitt, the award is presented to an emerging horticultural leader of exceptional accomplishment and potential. This award recognizes Schuyler’s dedication to historic garden restoration, horticultural practice, and the next generation of garden leaders.

Timothy Boland will receive the Thomas Roland Medal for exceptional skill in horticulture and lectures, recognizing Boland’s leadership in preserving and advancing Polly Hill Arboretum’s (Vineyard Haven, MA) horticultural legacy by expanding the arboretum’s collections, research, and educational mission.

Gold Medals for eminent horticultural accomplishments will be awarded to Richard Hawke (Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Director of Ornamental Plant Research, Chicago Botanic Garden), Page Dickey (author and lecturer; Director Emeritus, The Garden Conservancy), and The New Garden Society. Joanne Caccavale (Riji, Sogetsu School of Ikebana) and Maurice Tougas (Tougas Family Farm) will receive Silver Medals for their noteworthy service in horticulture.

Established in 1896, the MHS Honorary Medals are considered among the most prestigious recognitions in American horticulture. Award recipients join a distinguished group of horticultural leaders whose work has shaped the field for generations. The 122nd Honorary Medals Dinner will take place Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Garden at Elm Bank. Tickets for the awards ceremony including dinner and drinks will go on sale in September. Proceeds benefit excellence in horticulture at MHS. For event information, please visit masshort.org/honorary-medals/.

For media inquiries, please contact Meghan Connolly, Marketing Specialist, at mconnolly@masshort.org or 617.933.4934.