All-America Selections honored two horticulture greats

All-America Selections announced that Dr. Allan Armitage was the recipient of the 2014 AAS Medallion of Honor. Ron Cramer from Sakata Ornamentals, AAS President and long-time friend of Dr. Armitage, presented the story of his long and illustrious career, adding that Allan has been an AAS Flower Judge from 1983 until his retirement from the University of Georgia in 2013.

All-America Selections also announced that the 2014 Breeder’s Cup Award recipient is Ellen Leue of PanAmerican Seed. Co-worker and banquet Master of Ceremonies, Mark Gross, presented the story of Ellen’s vast breeding contributions and innovations during her impressive career.

The AAS Breeders Cup Award, was established in 2004 to recognize a plant breeder who dramatically influenced horticulture by breeding new cultivars that brought significant improvements to those classes.

Ellen began her breeding work in 1982 breeding seed potatoes then moved on to ornamentals with significant introductions in petunias, impatiens and other crops including AAS Winners petunia Orchid Daddy, impatiens Swirl Monet Mix, diascia Diamonte Coral Rose and most recently, angelonia Serenita Pink. And now her work is coming full circle with a renewed emphasis on edible crops, including recent AAS Regional Winner eggplant Patio Baby. 

All-America Selections humbly salutes industry achievers Allan and Ellen for their dedication and passion for everything horticulture, including All-America Selections.