CHS proudly honours this year’s award recipients, celebrating their dedication, expertise, and passion for horticulture.
Canterbury Horticultural Society Kowhai Award
The following individuals have been awarded the Kowhai Award in recognition of their outstanding service to the Society in a voluntary capacity. This award honours those who, through their passion for gardening and plants, have generously shared their knowledge and made significant contributions to the Society in their own unique and meaningful ways. Their dedication and selfless support play a vital role in enriching the CHS and fostering a community built on a love of horticulture.
- Elizabeth Wilks
Elizabeth is an environmental scientist, garden designer, and the visionary architect behind the CHS Avebury Climate Resilient Garden. With her exceptional talent in garden design, she has proven to be a generous and invaluable contributor to the Society, offering countless hours of volunteer work and sharing her extensive knowledge and expertise. Elizabeth’s dedication to the field is further demonstrated by her creation of a Garden Design course, which will be delivered in May. Her enthusiasm for plants and their ecosystems, combined with her ability to convey her vast knowledge in an inspiring and accessible way, makes her an incredible asset to CHS. Her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and resilient gardening practices is a true gift to both the Society and its members. - Debz Eagle
Debz is a talented artist with an extensive background in multimedia art, and she is also a gifted teacher. She runs pressed flower courses for CHS and tutors at our watercolour art group, sharing her creativity and expertise with others. With a deep love for everything related to plants and flowers, Debz presents innovative ideas in a well-organized and supportive manner, inspiring those around her. Beyond her work with CHS, Debz dedicates many hours to community garden projects and was a valued member of the 2024 Botanical Expo volunteer team. Her passion for both art and gardening, combined with her commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement, makes her an exceptional asset to the Society. - Joseph Austin
Joseph is an incredibly dedicated and skilled individual in the world of horticulture. His experience with growing and showing daffodils, along with his expertise in plant propagation, speaks to his deep knowledge and commitment to the field. His generosity in helping others at shows and his involvement in the Riccarton Horticultural Society further highlight his passion for sharing his knowledge and fostering community growth. His professional background, particularly his role as the gardener at Merivale Retirement Village, is impressive as well. Achieving Gold Medals for the garden under his care showcases not just his skill, but also his ability to transform spaces and create environments that thrive. Joseph is a true asset to the horticultural community, and his contributions are valued both professionally and within the groups he is part of.
Canterbury Horticultural Society Silver Service Award
The Silver Service Award is a prestigious honour that recognizes individuals who, through their unwavering passion for the Society, gardening, and plants, have generously shared their time, knowledge, and expertise. These individuals have made significant contributions to the Society in their own unique ways. The award is presented to members who have demonstrated exceptional service to the CHS over an extended period.
The very deserving recipient of the Silver Service Award in 2025 is Gail Scrivener. Gail was the President of the Springston Evening Garden Club for many years before joining CHS in 2008. Since then, she has served in many important roles, including tour manager, Garden Club Representative on the Board, Board Member, and now, as Vice President.
Gail has dedicated countless hours and energy to the Society’s growth and success. She is always the first to volunteer and works tirelessly in service to the CHS and its members. Her graciousness, kindness, and unwavering dedication make her a truly valued member of the CHS team.
Canterbury Horticultural Society Gold Service Award
The Gold Service Award is a newly established honour created to recognise individuals who, over a significant period, have shown exceptional dedication to CHS, its members, and the advancement of horticultural knowledge. This award also celebrates those who have demonstrated a commitment to helping others grow and share their passion for horticulture.
The first recipient of this prestigious award is Michael Coulter, a former Silver Service Awardee. Michael has been a devoted member of CHS since 1969, contributing significantly to the Society in various capacities. He has served on the Board, was awarded the title of Outstanding Horticulturalist in 2015, and was made a Life Member in 2018, the same year he received the Silver Service Award.
Michael's expertise has been invaluable, particularly in his involvement with the Floral Festivals and garden judging. He is well-known within the Society for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. As the CHS Tips and Tasks Man, his skill, knowledge, and dedication have been a cherished resource for our members for over five decades.
Michael, as the first recipient of the Gold Service Award, CHS is immensely proud to honour your outstanding contributions and the profound, positive impact you have had on the Society and its members.
Canterbury Horticultural Society Garden Media Award
The Garden Media Award is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to horticulture through the media, helping to share knowledge and inspire others in the field.
This year, the Garden Media Award goes to Amy Wilson.
Amy has been a dedicated member of CHS for just six years, yet in that short time, she has made an immense impact on the Society. She is the co-presenter of Green Thumbs, CHS’s bi-weekly show on Plains FM, and a presenter for Garden Life’s Tips and Tasks. Amy possesses specialist knowledge of European medieval gardens, their design, and the plants used in these gardens, and she is a gifted speaker, captivating audiences with her expertise.
In addition to her media contributions, Amy has served as a CHS Board Member and Treasurer, as well as Vice President of the CHS Daffodil Group.
This award recognizes Amy’s exceptional contribution to horticulture through her media work, inspiring and educating others with her passion, knowledge, and commitment.
Canterbury Horticultural Society Outstanding Horticulturalist Award
The Outstanding Horticulturalist Award is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of horticulture. The purpose of this award is to acknowledge those who have demonstrated exceptional horticultural knowledge, a commitment to sharing that knowledge, and the ability to promote horticultural practices to a wider audience.
It gives me great pleasure to present the Outstanding Horticulturalist Award to Sue Molloy. Sue is a gifted horticulturalist and the Botanical Resources Coordinator at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. In this role Sue maintains the garden, herbarium, and library records.
She has personally been involved in databasing tens of thousands of hardcopy plant and herbarium records. Sue is a published research writer, currently working with ex Botanic gardens curator John Clemens on research of John and Joseph Armstrong (father and son botanists who emigrated from England). Their work is published in a series for the Canterbury Botanical Society Journal.
Sue is passionate about all the historical aspects of the Gardens and has a special interest in botanical and horticultural history of Canterbury.
Sue, this award is presented in honour of your exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to the field of horticulture and the wider community.
Canterbury Horticultural Society John Taylor Award
The John Taylor Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, exceptional horticultural knowledge, excellence in the practice and demonstration of horticulture, and a deep commitment to the development and sharing of horticultural knowledge.
John Taylor, a valued member of the CHS, served as President and Board member for many years. He was the first New Zealand student to study at Kew Gardens in London, worked at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and became a renowned nurseryman and successful businessman. Later, as a Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University, he pioneered the Diploma in Parks and Recreation Administration. John’s remarkable contributions were recognized by the Queen, who awarded him an OBE.
This year, the John Taylor Award recipient is Dave Adams.
Dave has been a dedicated member of the CHS for many decades. A past Board Member and President, he has taken a leadership role within the organization, greatly enriching the Society with his vast horticultural knowledge and passion for sharing information with others. Dave is a gifted teacher who is always generous with his time, helping others to grow and thrive in their own gardening journeys.
With a specific passion for daffodils, Dave is internationally recognized in daffodil culture and breeding. He has served as a past president of the National Daffodil Society and remains an active participant in both local and international daffodil communities.
In addition to his work with daffodils, Dave has long overseen the Christchurch Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards in collaboration with the Christchurch City Council. His passion for gardens and gardeners of all skill levels shines through in the way he provides constructive and inspiring feedback to participants. Dave is also a frequent speaker for Garden Life, an Architect of the CHS Junior Gardeners Club, and a workshop presenter.
It is an honour to present the John Taylor Award to Dave Adams in recognition of his exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to horticulture. Your contributions to the CHS and the wider horticultural community have been truly invaluable.