One of Australia’s most respected horticultural communicators, Judy Horton OAM, has been appointed the first-ever Patron of the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH).

The honorary appointment was formally announced at the AIH Awards Dinner at the Adelaide Wine Centre on Saturday 5 September, where AIH President Alan Burnell welcomed Judy to the role and presented her with a special Australian wattle brooch.

The brooch is a replica of one presented to Queen Elizabeth II, adding particular significance to the presentation and marking the occasion in a uniquely Australian way.

The role of Patron recognises an individual whose standing, values and contribution reflect the purpose of AIH: advancing professional horticulture, recognising excellence, and promoting the value of plants, landscapes and gardening in our communities.

Judy Horton has spent a lifetime helping Australians understand, value and enjoy the world of plants. Her remarkable career has encompassed education, nursery advisory work, bush regeneration, publishing, broadcasting, garden writing and industry service.

Through her long association with Yates, her stewardship of editions of the Yates Garden Guide, her work with ABC Radio Sydney and ABC Gardening Australia magazine, and her ongoing service to The Garden Clubs of Australia, Judy has influenced generations of Australian gardeners and horticulturists.

Her contribution to horticulture has been recognised through numerous honours, including the AIH Golden Wattle Award and the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to gardening and horticulture.

However, it is perhaps Judy’s generosity in sharing her knowledge, together with her warmth, clarity and enthusiasm, that has made her such a respected and much-loved figure within Australian horticulture.

“Judy represents so much of what we value at AIH,” said AIH President Alan Burnell.

“Her lifetime of horticultural education and advocacy, combined with her generosity and passion for sharing knowledge, makes her an incredibly fitting person to become our first Patron. As AIH looks to the future, Judy brings distinction, continuity and encouragement to our work.”

Judy’s appointment connects AIH’s professional mission with a lifetime of public horticultural education and advocacy, while providing an inspiring link between the Institute’s history and its vision for the future.