Paul Tukey Wins AHS Horticultural Communication Award

Maine native Paul Tukey, founder of People, Places & Plants magazine and TV show, received the American Horticultural Society's 2006 Horticultural Communication Award—among the highest honors in American gardening.

Tukey, a dairy farmer's grandson, called it "the highest honor of my professional life." The AHS, founded in 1922, recognized his multimedia work promoting environmentally friendly gardening and independent garden centers. His HGTV show airs Sundays at 7 a.m.

Previous Maine recipients: Lewis Lipp (1972) and iris hybridizer Currier McEwen (1995), whom Tukey profiled extensively. Tukey credited his grandfather, Henry VanDyne (New England Dairyman of the Year), for rooting his love of the land.

A former sportswriter, Tukey transitioned to landscaping, then publishing. The AHS cited his advocacy for organic lawns (forthcoming book) and independent retail. "Now more than ever," Tukey said, "it's important to retain an independent voice for the environment and family business."

He dedicated the award to his team—Susan Gilman, Rick Churchill, Mark Sellew—and mentors Roger and Elisabeth Swain ("The Man in the Red Suspenders"). "If I should get an award for anything, it would be my ability to surround myself with great people."