The Garden Club of America (GCA) announced the recipients of the 2021 national medals, the highest honors bestowed upon individuals or institutions by the GCA for distinguished achievements in areas related to its purpose.
Sylvia Abbott, a member of the Litchfield Garden Club (LGC) since 1973, is awarded The Katharine Thomas Cary Medal in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of floral design education and instilling a love of floral design throughout the GCA.
For over 40 years, Sylvia has been the heart and soul of floral design education for the LGC and all Zone II garden clubs. Her remarkable influence is characterized by an extensive knowledge of the discipline, hard work and effective leadership skills, all tempered with sensitivity, humility and kindness.
As a longtime GCA Floral Design and Horticulture judge, Sylvia has an extensive knowledge about gardening and horticulture and generously shares her expertise. She has served on the LGC board in almost every position, including President from 1987-89. She has also held numerous GCA positions, and has amassed an impressive list of awards across all GCA disciplines. Among them, in 2007, Sylvia was awarded the Cramer Floral Design Award in Zone II in recognition of her outstanding achievement in floral design and education throughout and beyond the zone.
A true pioneer, Sylvia helped develop the GCA floral design workshop. She was instrumental in crafting and developing the curriculum which is currently taught throughout all twelve GCA zones across the country. Sylvia gives numerous workshops nationwide and continues her own education through GCA programs. For the past two years, Sylvia has co-chaired the LGC Floral Design Committee with Diane Stoner, and together they have developed intriguing virtual sweepstakes, rising to the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Through her many achievements, Sylvia Abbott is a shining example of a GCA club member who has selflessly shared her passion to inspire a love of gardening. The LGC is proud and honored to have such an accomplished, talented and devoted member and leader. A garden club member said it best, “Whether the stage is large or small, Sylvia gives it her whole heart.”
Related
Source link
