Kiss the Earth

As if we needed reminding that the Philadelphia area is loaded with gardening talent ... the awards are rolling in.

The American Horticultural Society has named "Foliage: Astonishing Color and Texture Beyond Flowers," by author Nancy J. Ondra and photographer Rob Cardillo, as one of its four 2008 Book Award winners. The other three are: "A Natural History of North American Trees" by Donald Culross Peattie, "Perennial Vegetables" by Eric Toensmeier and "Viburnums" by Michael Dirr. Winners were culled from 50 nominations of books published last year.

AHS has also named Mike Devlin and Valerie Frick winners of the Jane L. Taylor Award, which is given to those who inspire and nurture future horticulturists through children's gardening. Mike and Val, of course, founded the Camden Children's Garden back in 1999 and are still at it. They're honored with this, one of several AHS Great American Gardeners awards, for their ongoing work at the garden and also their other efforts, which include a Youth Employment and Training program for Camden youngsters through the Camden City Garden Club, a nonprofit they founded in 1985.

Wait! There's more.

In the latest issue of Horticulture magazine, you'll see a familiar image on page 47: the former Rosengarten home that's HQ for Chanticleer. This Wayne landmark, a favorite with every gardener who visits, has been given the American Public Gardens Association's Award for Garden Excellence. (The award is sponsored by the magazine.)

Bill Thomas, Chanticleer's director, then takes readers on a written tour. The photos will make you long for spring.

Congratulations, everyone! and aren't we lucky.