Gerald Richardson Award

Best Integrated Garden at an AIS Convention

From the Handbook for Judges 9.0, Chapter 3, page 8, Approved by the AIS Board of Directors, January 28, 2026

The Gerald Richardson Award

The primary consideration for the Gerald Richardson Award is to inspire the viewer to create their own integrated garden.

The Gerald Richardson Award may be awarded annually to the best integrated garden at an AIS convention. An integrated garden will showcase a variety of iris with companion plantings and may be found on public or private property or in a commercial establishment. An integrated garden should have a holistic feel, a marriage of iris and companion plants with their physical environment. Elements of an integrated garden might include the use of other perennials; native and pollinator-friendly plants; water conservation strategies; artistic additions such as trellises and statues; and/or visually pleasing structures and hardscaping such as paths, raised beds, fences, etc. There are countless ways to interpret an integrated garden, but always, it should provide a tranquil, harmonious, and inspirational experience for the visitor.

Considerations for an Integrated Garden
Efficient use of space: The integrated garden may employ a vertical or horizontal alignment to accentuate its purpose, even in small, constrained spaces.

Aesthetic Appeal: Its design is both appealing and functional. It may contain simple features that are pleasing to the eye but at the same time highly practical.

Multi-purposed: It may include different features, such as pathways, garden art, or raised beds for the production of vegetables.

In summary, an integrated garden is more than just a place to grow irises and companion plants. It is a blended system that nurtures the environment and the people who interact with it. It mirrors the gardener’s inner spirit and inspires viewers.

The integrated garden does not display parallel rows of irises or other plantings. Each convention registrant may vote for one garden. The Richardson Award is given to the garden with the most votes.

The first Richardson Award was given at the 2019 AIS Convention in San Ramon, CA

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2025 Billings, Montana

Cynthia St. Charles Garden Winner: Cynthia St. Charles Garden Billings Heights, Montana

Cynthia St. Charles Garden Winner: Cynthia St. Charles Garden Billings Heights, Montana

Cynthia St. Charles Garden Winner: Cynthia St. Charles Garden Billings Heights, Montana

Go to the 2025 Awards Page.

Go to the 2025 Convention Page.

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2024 Portland, Oregon

The Gerald Richardsaon Award was not awarded in 2024

Go to the 2024 Awards Page.

Go to the 2024 Convention Page.

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2023 Dallas, Texas

Reed Garden Winner: Mike & Ellen Reed Garden Farmers Branch. TX

Schneider Garden Runner Up: Schneider Garden Whitesboro, TX

Go to the 2023 Awards Page.

Go to the 2023 Convention Page.

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2022 Las Cruces, New Mexico

Ayers Graden Winner: 117 Votes Scarlet Ayers Garden Las Cruces, NM

Wilson Garden Runner Up: 41 Votes Wilson Garden Las Cruces, NM

Go to the 2022 Awards Page.

Go to the 2022 Convention Page.

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2019 San Ramon, California

Cummins Garden Winner: 128 Votes Irene & Jim Cummins Garden Scotts Valley, CA

Go to the 2019 Awards Page.

Go to the 2019 Convention Page.

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If you find errors in the information presented please contact the AIS Encyclopedia Manager at aisencyclopedia@irises.org

-- BobPries - 12 Feb 2019