On June 21, the Connecticut Horticultural Society (CHS) presented the Dr. Gustaf A. L. Mehlquist Award to Mary Ann and, posthumously, to Fred McGourty, founders of Hillside Gardens. The award, named for a distinguished UCONN professor of plant science, the Mehlquist is amongst the most prestigious awards given by the Society in Connecticut.

In her citation, CHS President, Judith D. King, wrote of the McGourtys’ achievements as teachers, lecturers and authors. “A visit to their garden was a horticultural pilgrimage for many of us. We learned the characteristics and culture of the plants as well as how to integrate them into a beautiful garden design.”