School of Environmental & Horticultural Studies professor, Paul Zammit, was recently awarded the 2021 Garden Communicator Award by Landscape Ontario in recognition for his outstanding work in the industry.
The Garden Communicator Award is presented to an individual who has consistently produced high level, quality work in the field of horticulture through his or her efforts in communication.
In March of 2020, Zammit was approached by the Landscape Ontario Growers group to help raise awareness amongst government officials regarding the struggle of independent garden centres during the COVID pandemic.
When they were forced to shut their doors in early March, garden centres across Ontario experienced significant loss with millions of dollars of plant material, potted and cut flowers being wasted.
“We were helping raise awareness for the incredible Ontario growers and independent garden centres that were not allowed to open while many of the big box stores garden centres were open to the public,” said Zammit.
By leveraging his experience and media contacts, Zammit promoted the reopening of independent garden centres through interviews with CBC. He also brought attention to the Front Line Hero Garden Makeover Program on his weekly summer gardening segment with Gill Deacon on CBC’s Here and Now.
“The Horticulture Industry is an incredible industry made up of dedicated, supportive and wonderful individuals. I have been fortunate to learn and to grow professionally from so many of these individuals over my thirty plus years in the business. Of course I would do whatever I could, along with fellow industry family members such as Mark Cullen, Sean James and Frank Ferragine to offer support at such a difficult time,” said Zammit.
“It was both a surprise and great honour to be recognized by Landscape Ontario for this award.”
To watch Landscape Ontario’s 48th annual Awards of Excellence, visit Landscape Ontario’s YouTube page.
