Linda Guy honored by Charleston Horticultural Society

Linda Guy of Plants Nouveau LLC recently was presented the 1830 Award by the Charleston Horticultural Society in recognition of her commitment to botanical pursuits that have further enriched the greater Charleston horticultural community. The 1830 Award is presented to honor exemplary horticultural service and creative vision in the Lowcountry.

Guy was nominated by friend and fellow horticulturist Kari Whitley of Scout Horticultural Consulting. “The founders of this society were dedicated plantsmen and included plant collectors and breeders like Joel Poinsett, for whom the Poinsettia is named, and Philip Noisette, the developer of the Noisette class of roses,” Whitley said. "Linda’s passion and career fit perfectly into this distinguished list.”

Guy has traveled around the world with horticultural notables such as Tony Avent, Ted Stephens and Dan Hinkley, searching for new plants.  She is co-owner of Plants Nouveau, a marketing and plant introductory company with a global presence. Plants Nouveau works with breeders to trial new cultivars and species from around the world, helping breeders effectively get their plants into US and Canadian gardens.

Guy’s nomination was supported by Jim Martin,director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Not a day goes by when Linda isn’t sharing her passion for plants," Martin said. "In fact, the most common phrase in her everyday life has been, 'would you like to try growing one?’”

Her nomination was further supported by Dan Hinkley, internationally distinguished plantsmen and horticulturist.  “While her plant introductions have certainly made a national impact, it is her commitment to gardening in the Southeast that has helped to make an even larger impact in a regional sense," Hinkley said. "It cannot be overstated that a hands-on approach to plantsmenship, beginning in one's own garden, is what has lasting impact in any plant introduction scheme. Linda's approach should be both emulated by others that follow her as well as be recognized for the inherent good that has resulted.”