NCNLA honors best in North Carolina's landscaping industry

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognized several industry professionals for their contributions to the North Carolina green industry in 2019. The awards were held during the NCNLA's annual Green & Growin' conference in January.

Tara Hughes, owner of Tara Hughes, a landscape company in La Grange, was given the Jerry Ragland Award. Established in 1999, the award recognizes an outstanding young professional in the landscape business. 

Scott Myatt, Myatt Landscaping in Fuquay-Varina, was presented with the Oakland Award. Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the nursery and/or landscape industry.

Mark Weathington of the JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, was given the Kim Powell Award. Established in 2004, the award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the association and industry, and more specifically, their involvement in program development and execution.

Tom Gilmore, former owner of Gilmore Plant and Bulbs, Liberty, was honored posthumously with the DS Copeland Award. Established in 1972 and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry. Gilmore passed away Sept. 24. His son, Dell Gilmore, accepted the award.

David Hoffman of Hoffman Nursery, Rougemont, was given the Bill Wilder Award. Established in 1994 and named for the long-time executive director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture, and for their inspiration to others starting out in the field.

Tara Mullis of Arbor Fields, Marshville, was given the Libby Wilder Award. Established in 1999 and named for long-time organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a female.

North 40 Nursery, Morganton, was recognized with the award for the Grower of the Year. Established in 1994, the award recognizes high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery and exhibits leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

Skip Warrick, Scottree, Shelby, was given recognized as a Lifetime Honorary Member. The award recognizes lifetime contribution or achievement in the nursery and landscape industry.