ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s own Marcus Garner, an urban home grounds regional agent, is the recipient of a 2023 Great American Gardeners Award. Garner received the Emerging Horticultural Professional Award from the American Horticultural Society (AHS), which advocates for eco-friendly and sustainable gardening methods.

Urban Regional Extension Agent Marcus Garner

“This is one of the greatest honors of my career, especially being recognized by my peers,” Garner said. “I am passionate about all things horticulture, and it’s always a pleasure sharing this passion with the people of Alabama.”

This award–first given in 2017–recognizes people that have made significant achievements and/or shown leadership that have advanced the field of horticulture in the United States. As a graduate of Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and an employee of Alabama Extension at AAMU, Garner is the first awardee in this category from a historically Black college and university.

“Congratulations to Marcus on earning this national award that not only highlights the work of Cooperative Extension but also Alabama A&M University,” said Interim Extension Director and AAMU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Majed Dweik.

About the Awardee

Garner has devoted years of his life to educating Alabama residents about gardening, lawn care and environmental conservation. For example, he mobilized over 100 volunteers to assist seniors in beautifying their neighborhoods through the Legacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Also, he mentored cancer patients using gardening as a form of therapy along with the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Today, he continues to provide workshops and demonstrations to diverse audiences across Alabama.

“This is a well-deserved award for Marcus,” said Rudy Pacumbaba, an Alabama Extension horticulture specialist and home grounds team coordinator. “He works tirelessly with local groups and volunteers to implement Alabama Extension at AAMU home grounds programming, including sustainable backyard and community gardens.”

More Information

Garner was also featured in the March/April issue of The American Gardener magazine. Visit the website of the AHS website, www.ahsgardening.org, to see the full list of the 2023 Great American Gardeners awardees. For information on gardening and lawn care, visit the Urban Extension Lawn and Garden section of www.aces.edu.