You are currently on the Landscape Design Award page in the Awards section
Initiated in 1992, this program recognizes design projects that are exemplary in use of herbaceous perennials to help create balanced and beautiful landscapes. The “after market” applications of our growers’ products and the design, installation, and maintenance of plants in gardens and natural settings are of special interest to the Perennial Plant Association. Both experienced and novice designers are invited to participate.
Each year, judges evaluate many outstanding landscape designs and select the most excellent entries based on the effectiveness of herbaceous perennial plant material used through the implantations of new cultivars, color combinations, textures, and seasonal combinations.
The entries comprise 11 categories based on residential, commercial, educational, temporary/seasonal designs, and price of production. The judges are professionals in the fields of horticulture and design. If you would like to apply, please fill out our landscape design application.
PPA Landscape Design Classes
Residential Class I - Less than $5,000 Class II - $5,000 to $25,000
Class III - $25,000 to $100,000 Class IV - More than $100,000
Commercial Class V - Less than $5,000 Class VI - $5,000 to $25,000
Class VII - $25,000 to $100,000 Class VIII - More than $100,000
Institutional Class IX - Designs from universities and organizations whose primary focus is not horticulture or landscape design.
Youth Class X - Designs from elementary and high schools and young individuals or groups
Temporary/Seasonal Class XI - Gardens that are temporary in nature
2011 Recipients
Click on the name to view photos and descriptions of each entry
Scott Rothenberger Judges Award Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE Barto, Pennsylvania
Bruce Davies Class IV - Honor Award Davies Assoc. Landscape Architects, LLC Parsippany, New Jersey
Doug Ruhren & Edith Eddleman Class VI - Honor Award Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden Kernersville, North Carolina
Bruce John Riddell Class IV - Honor Award Landscape Architect Bar Harbor, Maine Karleen Shafer Class II - Merit Award Landscape Design & Associates Howell, Michigan
Scott Rothenberger Class VI - Merit Award Scott Rothenberger’s PLACE Barto, Pennsylvania
This project has a designer’s vision from the ground up; an extensive garden planting, a poolscape for entertaining, and lush herbaceous borders surround this 1,700 square foot custom-designed contemporary farmhouse. The latest annuals and perennials are planted into more than 102 individual containers which surround the deck, pool, porch, and walkways. Perennial favorites include: Calamentha, Geranium ‘Rozanne’, and Liatris microcephela and Penstemon ‘Red Rocks’. The design of the space allows for the feeling of many different outdoor rooms and private spaces. This small suburban lot that was once transected by a swale has been transformed into an oasis for relaxation and escape. Judges noted the gorgeous plant palette and great incorporation of tropical and natives.This is a residential design costing between $25,000 and $100,000.
The Garden in Tewksbury was created in phases over many years beginning in 2003 with an intent to create an organized, interrelated series of garden spaces in which the clients could not only relax and entertain but also to provide them with a canvas upon which they could display plant collections and explore new types of gardening. The site is approximately three acres and partially wooded. The garden areas include a native woodland restoration, a moss and hosta garden, a native shrub border, a sunny perennial borders, shady perennial gardens, and a culinary herb garden. The property has a mix of deer-resistant native plants, shady perennials, foundation plants, and mixed native plants. Judges commented on great use of native material and good use of scale with respect for garden themes. This is a residential design costing more than $100,000.
The Ceiner Perennial Border showcases the front of the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. This full sun border now displays a mixed planting of perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and vines, designed with four-season appeal. Since the Ceiner Perennial Border occurs outside of the fenced-in area, it was important to choose perennials that were readily available to deter theft. Once an overgrown site with wild brush and heavy clay soils, the Ceiner Perennial Border has been transformed to the improved soil profile and drainage and to remove invasive plants. Perennials used include Salvia xjamensis ‘Hot Lips’, Panicum virgatum ‘Prairie Fire’, Helleborus Ivory Prince™ and Agastache ‘Purple Haze’. Judges enjoyed the progression of the garden through the seasons and the wonderful early spring and late fall colors. This is a commercial design costing between $5,000 and $25,000.
The purpose of this project was to design a small residential garden terrace environment that could be used for entertaining and mediation. A concern when designing the garden was to match the architectural vintage of the circa-1860 Victorian home. The client wanted a unique gardener’s garden that was diverse in its horticulture, one that was rich with native flora and plants meant to attract wildlife and birds. A vaulted grape arbor acts like a tunnel through which one now passes from the home to the private “island-like” garden. Perennials used include Perovskia atriplicifolia, Hosta ‘Frances Williams’, Astilbe ‘Snowdrift’, and Sedum ‘Voodoo’. Judges enjoyed the arbor entrance to the garden and noted that the garden is very functional, creating a peaceful room to enjoy. This is a residential design costing more than $100,000.
This design was based on the concept of a living artwork for relaxation and private dining as well as entertaining guests while maintaining the main lawn area between the home and garden. The client wanted a view from her kitchen window that changed with the seasons creating a “green television.” Design included building a new pergola for the client to coordinate with the home. Native mosses were included near the pergola. Perennials were used towards the readily viewed areas. Several conifers were added for privacy on the property. The colorful purple-hued leaves of Physocarpus ‘Summer Wine’ ties in with the Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, Weigela ‘Wine & Roses’, and Heuchera ‘Purple Palace’. Judges noted the good use of water-wise plants as well as texture, form and color; a good visual design. This is a residential design costing between $5,000 and $25,000.
This garden was conceived and designed by a local designer to honor a great friend, who did so much for others, and to create a venue for everyone in the community that has been affected in some way by the disease. The concept of the design is reminiscent of clasping hands of friendship symbolically represented by two intersecting curvilinear walls. The entire space in enveloped in multiple seasons of interest with the use of perennials, grasses, shrubs, flowering trees and ground covers. The newly introduced Echinacea ‘Hope’ was included in this garden. Each blooming season there is something pink to honor Sandy’s fight against breast caner. Judges enjoyed the design of hardscapes and plant structure. They also noted the great use of materials for budget. This is a commercial design costing between $5,000 and $25,000.
Molly’s Memorial Garden was commissioned by Molly’s parents to honor their young daughter who had been a student there. The garden was constructed on the edge of a wooded area that acts as a fence between the school and adjoining property. Visible only from the garden, there is a stream running through the area, making it prone to flooding and runoff. Molly’s parents asked that the garden be designed as an informal, open air classroom for students and teachers. The space had to be especially attractive during the school year. Noted perennials include Coreopsis tripteris ‘Flower Tower’, Miscanthus giganteus, Panicum virgatum ‘Northwest’, and Carex pendula. Judges commented on the good texture, form and composition; that the design was well executed. This is a commercial design costing more than $100,000.