The 2024 American Horticultural Society Gala at River Farm will be Sept. 21, co-hosted by Skipp Calvert, member of the AHS Board of Directors, and Lauren Bishop, award-winning realtor at McEnearney Associates. The annual soirée not only highlights the vibrant culture of gardening and horticultural practices but also raises vital funds to support AHS’s outreach and educational programs and the stewardship of River Farm, headquarters of the AHS. 

This year’s event will present Marcia Zech with the AHS Gold Medal. A long-time dedicated member of the AHS Board of Directors, Zech has played a pivotal role in championing the society’s mission, ensuring its financial sustainability, and safeguarding its historic River Farm headquarters.

The AHS will also posthumously honor Jim Nau, the 2024 recipient of the AHS’s highest accolade, the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, for his lifetime contributions to the field. A revered figure in the horticultural world, Nau dedicated his entire 37-year career to the Ball Horticultural Company, where he excelled as a plant expert, writer, speaker, historian, and garden designer. He passed away in June 2023.

The event at River Farm, located at 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Virginia 22308, will be held Saturday, Sept 21, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The gala will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and mingling set amongst River Farm’s stunning gardens on the Potomac River. Attire is black-tie. Individual tickets are $375 each, and sponsorships start at $1,250.

For more information about the gala and sponsorships, contact AHS Director of Development and Engagement Katie Tukey at ktukey@ahsgardening.org / (713) 768-5700 ext. 144. Visit www.ahsgardening.org/2024gala to purchase tickets and sponsorships.