2017 Silver Trowel Awards

Each year nominations are sought for Silver Trowel Awards that are presented at the November Harvest Banquet. Six awards may be given: four for excellent landscapes--residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional An individual award is given to someone who has contributed to horticulture over the years and a civic award can be given to a local business/individual who has worked to improve horticulturally-related activities within the community.

Individual Award - Betty and Gene Arendt were honored for their contributions to the Green Bay Botanical Garden. They have donated to the construction of the dwarf conifer garden containing 525 conifer cultivars representing 91 species in the garden’s ten beds.

Commercial Award - David Calhoon, owner of Swanstone Gardens, has operated this creative space for 15 years. He has created a park-like environment with themed gardens on his 6-acre property. Nature related classes and tours are offered throughout the year.

The Conifer Garden at The Green Bay Botanical Garden

A Gathering Spot at Swanstone Gardens

Residential Award - Matt and Gwen Culbertson have been creating their garden spaces around their home since it was built in 2013. Even their son, Alex, helps to keep the yard neat! Gwen comes up with the ideas, and Matt says, “Sure, I can build that!”

Institutional Award - Kathy Amenson and Al Nass (Master Gardeners) accepted the award on behalf of Unity Hospice. The Master Gardeners have been instrumental to the landscaping efforts with a butterfly garden and also creating a labyrinth style garden.

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The Culbertson Home and Garden

The Butterfly Garden at Unity Hospice