Month: May 2015

Nominated by the Colorado Federation of Garden Clubs Inc., Brian Vogt, a native of Colorado, is a writer, popular speaker, artist, gardener and hiker, whose civic involvement and many roles in community leadership and public service in Colorado and the city of Denver spans over 25 years. He serves as chief executive officer at Denver Botanic Gardens www.botanicgardens.org, which offers a unique garden visitor-friendly experience through world-class education and plant conservation research programs. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the 24-acre Gardens is considered a pioneer in water conservation and its living collections encompass specimens from the tropics to the tundra, showcasing a plant palette chosen to thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. Vogt has been instrumental in overseeing the garden’s historic $73 million capital campaign and subsequent build-out of its master development plan, including the addition of two new structures–the Science Pyramid and the outdoor Hive Garden Bistro–as well as the Ellipse garden, the rooftop Mordecai Children’s Garden, a new parking complex, the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center and the Greenhouse Complex. Situated in the middle of the Mile High City, Denver Botanic Gardens was one of the first gardens in the nation to emphasize native plants and to champion environmentally responsible practices, such as water conservation and the biological control of pests.

“Each year, NGC’s Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional individuals, organizations or institutions that have made significant contributions to their communities in such areas as environmental and civic responsibility, conservation, community beautification and promoting the love of gardening,” said Sandra Robinson, president, National Garden Clubs Inc. “By recognizing these deserving award recipients from different parts of the nation, NGC hopes to educate and inspire others in communities coast-to-coast.”

To read more about it, the other winners and how to apply, CLICK HERE.