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THE AMER ICAN HORT ICULTURAL SOCIETY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016AT RIVER FARM, ALEXANDRIA

23RD ANNUAL GALA

presents

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GALA SPONSORS

PLATINUM

Cooley LLP

GOLD

George and Jane Diamantis

Klaus and Marcia Zech

SILVER

Hudson Studio

BRONZE

Skipp and Mary Calvert

John Marshall Bank

CATERING

Well Dunn

BENEFACTOR

Burke & Herbert Bank

Linemark

Mark Busse Electric

Osamu and Holly Shimizu

Katherine J. Ward

PATRON

Fred Crouch

Kolas Contracting, Inc.

MEDIA SPONSOR

Alexandria Times

FAVOR SPONSOR

Drew Cariaso & Erich Veitenheimer

Thank you for your generous support!List incomplete at time of printing.

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THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S23RD ANNUAL GALA

SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

For the stewardship of River Farm and the Society’s educational programs

Honored GuestJ. Dean Norton

Director of Horticulture, George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Gala Host Committee

Leslie Ariail, ChairHenrietta Burke

Karen DavisLaura Dowling

Julianne Johnson

Susan D. Klejst, Director of Development & Engagement

River FarmALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA

River Farm, national headquarters of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), is an historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River. Once part of

one of George Washington’s original five farms, River Farm has been the home of the AHS since 1973.

Thank you for joining us this evening.

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

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Dear American Horticultural Society Friends,

“Like a good neighbor” the American Horticultural Society (AHS) and Mount Vernon have always been there for each other over the decades. My introduction to the AHS was through Dr. Marc Cathey when he served as President of the Society in the mid-1970’s. In addition to purple becoming my preferred flower color (thanks to the influence of Dr. Cathey, whose nickname was Dr. Purple), my association with the AHS for the past 30 plus years has been enlightening, educational, and delightful.

There are few pursuits like horticulture that bring out the best in people. I find that gardeners are inclined to be more grounded (no pun intended), realistic, sensitive, and giving than your average person. Each year, the AHS reaches out to thousands upon thousands of such individuals through its publications and programs, and with its beautiful headquarters. Through its exceptional staff, dedicated board, devoted volunteers, and increased membership, the Society encourages gardening for joy and inspires people across the country to be better stewards of this earth.

A little known fact is that 23 has been my lucky number since childhood. I started to work at Mount Vernon on June 23, 1969; I was married on June 23, 1985; and now I am the honored guest at the 23rd Annual Gala. I am genuinely touched to be recognized in this way by the AHS. This honor is confirmation of how blessed I have been through my professional and personal life. I met my wife in the boxwood at Mount Vernon and I have the most amazing group of ladies, The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, as bosses. They are so supportive that they chipped in to purchase a table for our horticultural team to attend this evening’s Gala!

Your presence tonight shows your own generous support of the AHS and gardening. Now I ask that you continue to show your enthusiasm by bidding on the silent auction items tonight, and in the online auction taking place October 14–27 (which will include my private tour of Mount Vernon for six guests). Your contributions support the Society’s programs and stewardship of River Farm, and I know are greatly appreciated.

Horticulturally yours,

J. Dean Norton Director of Horticulture, George Washington’s Mount Vernon

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To Our 2016 Gala Guests,

Welcome to the American Horticultural Society’s 23rd Annual Gala. We thank you for coming and hope that you have a wonderful and memorable time tonight.

Our theme for this year’s Gala, “Celebrating the Gardens of Virginia: Enjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth,” encourages us to reflect on the world around us and to take a moment to appreciate the richness that gardens — in every sense — bring to our lives. Whether beautiful gardens that provide refreshment for the eyes and soul, or bountiful gardens that provide nourishment and delights for our tables, tonight we raise our glasses to the many tangible and intangible benefits that gardens provide. We encourage you to stroll through the gardens this evening as we give recognition to the many contributions that gardens large and small make to our quality of life.

This evening we celebrate the joys and rewards of gardening; the work of the American Horticultural Society; and, the importance of River Farm and places like it. River Farm, as the national headquarters of the Society and a place that traces its history to Colonial Virginia, reflects and supports the organization’s vision of “making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens.” It symbolizes not only the historical perspective of gardening in America but also serves as one bright star in a constellation of gardens across America that represent gardening today and gardening in the future. Working together, we can make the Society’s vision reality and ensure that this great treasure will continue to be a place of beauty, inspiration, and education for generations to come.

We are so pleased to have you as our guest at River Farm. Your generosity in supporting the Society’s work is greatly appreciated and we hope that you have a wonderful evening.

Sincerely, Sincerely,

Amy Bolton Tom Underwood Board Chair Executive Director

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

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Thank YouTo all our guests and sponsors for joining

The American Horticultural Society

in honoring

Dean Nortonand

A Special Thank You to Leslie Ariail, Henrietta Burke, Karen Davis,

Laura Dowling, Julianne Mueller

Susan Klejst and the AHS staff

For creating this wonderful evening

MARCIA AND KLAUS ZECH GOLD SPONSORS

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Cocktail Reception in the Garden, Silent Auction Opens

6 to 7 PM

Dinner7 to 9 PM

Silent Auction Closes8:30 PM

Music provided by The Seth Kibel Trio and EastCoast Entertainment.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 6 TO 10 PM

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

Celebrating the Gardens of VirginiaEnjoying the Beauty and Bounty of the Earth

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We are proud to be a part of

the American Horticultural Society

and we applaud the AHS Staff

and our fellow members!

Mr. and Mrs. George DiamantisGOLD SPONSORS

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Scientists or lawyers?We’re hard to label.

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is proud to support the

American Horticultural Societyand

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and salute this year’s honored guest

Dean Norton

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR YEAR ROUND SUPPORT OF THE AHS:

Corporate MembersBonnie Plants

The Care of Trees

Chapel Valley Landscape Company

Corona, Inc.

The Espoma Company

Osmocote

OXO

Garden Club DonorsBeverley Hills Garden Club

Centennial Garden Club

Centreville Garden Club

Chapel Square Garden Club

Dominion Valley Garden Club

Five Hills Garden Club

Five Seasons Garden Club

Garden Club of Chevy Chase

Garden Club of Waynewood

Jupiter Island Garden Club

Kenwood Garden Club

Lutherville Garden Club

Manassas Garden Club

Mount Airy Clay Breakers Garden Club

Mount Vernon Garden Club

Quantico Garden Club

Silver Spring Garden Club

The Trowel Garden Club

Trowel Garden Club of Triangle

Yacht Haven Garden Club

List incomplete at time of printing.

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when the food really matters

W E L L D U N N . C O M

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MENU

FIRST COURSE

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH TART AND ORGANIC GREENS

Herb Vinaigrette

ENTRÉE

CHAR GRILLED FLANK STEAK

Arugula And Pine Nut Pesto

Gruyere Thyme Potato Pavé & Sautéed Market Squash

VEGETARIAN ENTRÉE OPTION

MUSHROOM AND MEADOW CHÈVRE CHEESE STRUDEL

Served With A Sweet Balsamic Reduction

DESSERT

CARAMEL MACCHIATO

Yuzu And Chocolate Crumble

Vegetarian Entrée Available Upon Request

Tonight’s dinner was prepared by Well Dunn Catering. Our thanks to founder, Steve Dunn, and his talented staff.

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Let’s Grow Together

Ted Johnson, Erik Dorn, Shannon Catlett, Charlie Collum, Pam De Candio and Kerry Donley

THE AHS WISHES TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR IN-KIND GIFTS TO SUPPORT THE

SILENT AND ONLINE AUCTIONS. PLEASE, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE FOLLOWING

INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES, AND BY PATRONIZING THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS:Arena Stage; Washington, DCAtlanta Botanical Garden; Atlanta, GAJulia S. BachrachBelvoir Garden Club; Alexandria, VABettina Rizzi Leathers & Furs; Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBliss Nail & Lash Lounge; Alexandria, VAHenrietta and Taylor BurkeThe Honorable George H.W. Bush and Mrs. BushCaladesi Fishing Charters; Clearwater, FLSkipp and Mary CalvertDrew Cariaso and Erich VeitenheimerChesapeake Bay Maritime Museum; Saint Michaels, MDChicago Architecture Foundation; Chicago, ILChicago Botanic Garden; Glencoe, ILClearwater Marine Aquarium; Clearwater, FLAnn CurreyKaren and Richard DavisDenver Botanic Gardens; Denver, COJane and George DiamantisLaura DowlingEnchanted Florist; Alexandria, VAFairfax Ferns Garden Club; Centreville, VAWilliam and Beth FinkFive Guys; Alexandria, VAForge Brew Works; Lorton, VAFratelli’s; Alexandria, VAGeorge Washington’s Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon, VAGibson’s Restaurant Group; Chicago, ILGreat American Restaurants, Inc.; Fairfax, VAGreat Falls Garden Club; Great Falls, VAGreenstreet Gardens Flowers & Gifts; Alexandria, VAHampton Inn & Suites Alexandria; Alexandria, VA Nancy and Herbert HargrovesTerry M. HayesHayfield Farm Garden Club, Alexandria, VAPeter B. McClintock and Susan HinesHerman Miller; Washington, DCHilton Vancouver; Vancouver, WAEd HochardHolly Woods & Vines; Alexandria, VAPing and Phil HonzayKevin Howe and Betsy B. WashingtonTom HuberScott HurleyIngleside Vineyards; Oak Grove, VAJ & J Oriental Rug Gallery; Alexandria, VAFrank Jessup Thomas E. Johnson and Julianne MuellerDon Johnson

King’s Jewelry; Alexandria, VAKramer Portraits, New York; New York, NYLandini Brothers Restaurant; Alexandria, VALaurel Garden Club of Burke/West Springfield, Springfield, VAMeg Carter Designs; Alexandria, VA MetroStage; Alexandria, VARachel C. Muir and Lauren HefnerLynn and Robert MurrayMuseum of Contemporary Art Chicago; Chicago, ILNaked Mountain Winery; Markham, VAViveka and Josh NevelnDean NortonPresident Barack Obama and Mrs. ObamaPatrick O’BrienOXO International; New York, NYPatrick’s Fine Linens and Home Décor; Alexandria, VAPlow & Hearth: Madison, VAPotomac Riverboat Company; Alexandria, VAPort City Brewery: Alexandria, VAHarry and Grace RissettoRound House Theatre: Bethesda, MDSylvia and Kerry SchmeichelSheraton Denver West, Lakewood, COKevin SherlockHolly and Osamu ShimizuSportRock Climbing Center; Alexandria, VASpringfield Acres Garden Club; Falls Church, VADaphne and Gary SteinbergTempo Restaurant; Alexandria, VAThe Clifton Inn; Charlottesville, VAThe Drake Hotel; Chicago, ILThe Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Washington, DCThe North Carolina Arboretum; Asheville, NCThe Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City, Arlington, VAThe Sharper Cut, Inc.; Upper Marlboro, MDThink Fun, Inc.; Alexandria, VAThomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello; Charlottesville, VATotal Wine & More; Potomac, MDTradition de France; Alexandria, VATSALT Boutique; Alexandria, VAUnited States Capitol Historical Society; Washington, DCVictoria At Home; Alexandria, VAWashington Capitals; Washington, DCWashington Nationals; Washington, DCWashington Performing Arts; Washington, DCDavid WolffJoe Zadareky Marcia and Klaus Zech

List incomplete at time of printing.

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The Regent and

Vice Regents of

the Mount Vernon

Ladies’ Association

express their deep

appreciation to

Dean Norton, who

has lovingly cared

for the gardens and

grounds of George

Washington’s estate

for more than 45

years.

mountvernon.org

CONGRATULATIONS

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American Horticultural Society Online Auction

One on One with Great Gardeners of North AmericaThis year’s online auction features exclusive opportunities to enjoy personal, behind-the-scenes tours with notable horticulturists and landscape designers throughout North America.

Among the VIP tours you can bid on: Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois hosted by Kris Jarantoski, Executive Vice President & Director n Includes a 2-night weekend stay at the iconic Drake Hotel with breakfast, in a lakefront view room on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, and dinner at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House with a $150 gift certificate.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver, Colorado hosted by Panayoti Kelaidis, Senior Curator and Director of Outreach n Includes a 1-night weekend stay with breakfast at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Mount Vernon, Virginia hosted by J. Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture n Host up to six guests and also includes a tour of Washington’s grist mill and distillery and a 1-night stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Alexandria Old Town South.

The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville, North Carolina hosted by George Briggs, Executive Director n Includes a catered lunch for four.

Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, Georgia hosted by Mary Pat Matheson, President & CEO n Includes food, drinks and hotel stay for two.

This is just a sampling of exceptional opportunities available. Look for more offerings and information on accessing the auction in e-news bulletins and online at www.AHS.org/Auction.

Online bidding Opens

OCTObeR 14 www.ahs.org/auction

Bidding closes noon Eastern Time

October 27

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PROUD SPONSORS

Skipp & Mary CalvertB R O NZE S P O N SO R S

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The Times is a locally-owned, independent newspaper

with a weekly circulation of 19,000. We home deliver to

Belle Haven, Old Town, Rosemont, Del Ray and Beverley

Hills and our newspaper is distributed to high volume

locations in 13 zip codes.

THE ALEXANDRIA TIMES IS HAPPY TO BE MEDIA SPONSOR FOR THE AMERICAN

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S GALA.

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Congratulations to the new AHS Board Directors:

Laura Dowling

Terry Hayes

Rachel Muir

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT

OF THE AHS!

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens

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Call 703.550.6900 or visit BARTLETT.COM

It’s how Bartlett improves the landscape of tree care.

It’s how Bartlett improves the landscape improves the landscape of tree care.

FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR TREES.

We o� er our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Dean Norton, a most dedicated and extraordinary horticulturist.

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Springtime in Japan: inSpiring gardenS & LandScapeSapril 4-17, 2017

With AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu

gardenS of Southern ScotLandmay 16-25, 2017

With AHS Host Dean Norton

gardenS of genoa, the itaLian riviera & fLorenceSept 5-14, 2017

With AHS Host Katy Moss Warner

gardenS of argentina: BuenoS aireS, mendoza & SaLtaoctober 30–november 8, 2017

iguazu faLLS poSt-tournovember 8–10, 2017

With AHS Hosts Jane and George Diamantis

gardenS, Wine & WiLderneSS: a tour of neW zeaLandJanuary 2018

With AHS Host Panayoti Kelaidis

For more information about the AHS Travel Study Program visit www.ahs.org/travel, e-mail development@ahs.org,

or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 127 for Susan Klejst or ext. 132 for Emily Troyer.

AHS President’s Council Members Only!connecticut – June 26–30, 2017.

Details on the trip coming this winter.For information about the AHS President’s Council, please

contact Susan Klejst at (703) 768-5700 ext. 127.

The AmericAn horTiculTurAl socieTy TrAVel sTudy ProGrAm 2017 Tours

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Proud to Support the American Horticultural Society

Eames Lounge Chair & Ottomanwith White Leather with White on Ash Shell

Charles and Ray Eames had ideas about making a better world, one in which things were designed to bring greater pleasure to our lives. Their iconic Eames Lounge Chair (1956) began with a desire to create a chair with “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” The result has become the consummate lounge. In continuous production since its introduction, the Eames Lounge Chair is widely considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century.

RETAIL $6,155

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THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S 25TH ANNUAL

Join us at the only national event of its kind for educators, garden designers, community leaders, program coordinators, and others

dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

VISIT WWW.AHS.ORG/NCYGS

• Explore topics ranging from curriculum to program management to garden design and maintenance during four dynamic days of educational sessions, field trips, and expert keynote presentations.

• Experience the vibrant gardening and environmental culture of the green Pacific Northwest.

• Share ideas, success stories, and inspiration with like-minded colleagues from across the nation.

E-mail: education@ahs.orgCall: (703) 768-5700Follow us on Twitter:

@AHS_NCYGS (#ncygs17)

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The American Horticultural Society’s Great American Gardeners Awards

Program recognizes individuals and institutions that have made significant

contributions to American horticulture.

Join us at River Farm for the Awards Ceremony on June 8, 2017. For details, visit www.ahs.org or call (703) 768-5700 ext. 121.

American Horticultural Society

Great American Gardeners Awards

ProgramHonoring excellence since 1953

Beautiful gardens and a breathtaking river view four miles south of Old Town Alexandria

For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or e-mail rentals@ahs.org.

7931 East Boulevard DriveAlexandria, VA 22308www.ahs.org

the perfect setting for your special event

River Farm

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American Horticultural Society

2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Amy Bolton, Falls Church, VA1st Vice Chair Jane Diamantis, McDonald, TN2nd Vice Chair Mary Pat Matheson, Atlanta, GASecretary Nancy Hargroves, Manakin Sabot, VATreasurer J. Landon Reeve, IV, Woodbine, MDImmediate Past Chair Harry Rissetto, Falls Church, VAExecutive Committee Marcia Zech, Mercer Island, WA

Skipp Calvert Alexandria, VATim J. Conlon Dubuque, IALaura Dowling Alexandria, VAGay Estes Houston, TXTerry Hayes Woodinville, WA Tom Johnson Washington, DCLouis B. Lynn Columbia, SCRachel Muir Arden, NCNancy Ross Englewood, FLHolly Shimizu Glen Echo, MDEd Snodgrass Street, MDErich Veitenheimer Alexandria, VA

Executive Director Tom UnderwoodPresident Emeritus Katy Moss Warner

American Horticultural Society

SOCIETY STAFF

Beth Colton, Office ManagerMary Chadduck, Horticulture Specialist

Janet Daniels, Events and Facilities ManagerDavid J. Ellis, Director of Communications/Editor of The American Gardener

Leslie Fetty, Member Services AssociateSuzen Galvin, Executive Assistant and Associate Director of Operations

Charlotte Germane, Digital Communications ManagerSusan D. Klejst, Director of Development and Engagement

Nora K. MacDonald, Associate Director of Membership and Member ProgramsViveka Neveln, Communications Manager and Associate Editor

Sylvia Schmeichel, River Farm Manager and HorticulturistEmily Troyer, Development Associate and Travel Study CoordinatorJane Underwood, Volunteer Program Manager and Horticulturist

Mary Yee, Art Director and Managing Editor

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WHO WE AREFounded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been about connecting people with plants. Several educational and outreach programs further a number of objectives at the core of our mission.

PROVIDING USEFUL AND AUTHORITATIVE INFORMATIONThe American Gardener bimonthly magazine, including our online archive of nearly 20 years of back issues, the AHS’s line of authoritative books, and our monthly Twitter #plantchat hours with guest experts are just some of the ways we provide gardeners with the information they need to be successful.

HELPING MORE AMERICANS ENJOY THE REWARDS OF GARDENS AND GARDENINGAHS members enjoy a range of exclusive benefits such as The American Gardener magazine, the Annual Seed Exchange, and the AHS Reciprocal Admissions Program, which offers members free or reduced admission to more than 300 gardens across the country.

CONNECTING TO TOMORROW’S GARDENERSThe AHS is committed to bridging the growing divide separating young people from the natural world. Since 1993, we have hosted the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium to help educators develop practical skills that will inspire the next generation of gardeners and horticultural leaders. The AHS Internship Program offers opportunities to explore various career paths in the horticultural field.

RECOGNIZING HORTICULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTSAmerican gardening has advanced because of its champions. Through our annual Great American Gardeners Awards, we recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the art and science of horticulture.

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF AMERICAN HORTICULTUREWith 25 acres and scenic views of the Potomac River, River Farm is the perfect showcase for the unique story of American horticulture. Features such as the André Bluemel Meadow, the AHS Green Garage®, which displays earth-friendly gardening practices, and the Children’s Garden, where families can explore the natural world, allow visitors of all ages to learn and grow.

American Horticultural Society 7931 East Boulevard Drive Alexandria, VA 22308

(703) 768-5700 www.ahs.org

American Horticultural Societyfacebook.com/americanhorticulturalsociety

@AHS_Gardeningtwitter.com/AHS_Gardening

American Horticultural Societypinterest.com/amhortsociety

@am_hort_societyinstagram.com/am_hort_society

Making America a Nation of Gardeners, a Land of Gardens