The ADS presents the following awards annually.
The Derrill W. Hart Medal
Awarded to the cultivar that has the highest average trial garden score in the accredited trial gardens located across the United States and Canada during the previous year as an AA or A (Classes 0001-1515); B (Classes 2001-2515); BB (Classes 3001-3515); M (Classes 4001-4515); Ball, Miniature Ball, or Pompon (Classes 6001- 6215); ST(7001-7515) or NX(7601-7615); and Waterlily (7301-7315). The highest 3 scores shall be used to determine such highest average. In case of ties, duplicate awards will be awarded.
See 2024 Winners See 2023 Winners See 2022 Winners See 2021 Winners See 2020 winners See 2019 winners See 2018 winners.
The Lynn B. Dudley
Awarded to the cultivar that has the highest average seedling bench evaluation score as an AA or A (classes 0001-1515); B (classes 2001-2515); BB (classes 3001-3515); M(classes 4001-4515); Ball, Miniature Ball, or Pompon (classes 6001- 6215); ST (classes 7001-7015) or NX(class 7601); and Waterlily (classes 7301-7315). The highest three scores awarded at the approximately 70 member society shows in the United States and Canada shall be used to determine such highest average. In case of ties, duplicate awards will be awarded.
See 2024 Winners See 2023 winners See 2022 winners See 2021 winners No 2020 winners See 2019 winners See 2018 winners.
The Evie Gullikson Medal
Awarded to the cultivar that has the highest average Seedling Bench Evaluation score and the cultivar with the highest average Trial Garden score as an open center or disc center (classes 8001-9715).
See 2024 winners See 2023 winners See 2022 winners See 2021 winners See 2020 winners See 2019 winners See 2018 winners.
The Stanley Johnson Medal
Awarded to the cultivar with the greatest number of higher-than-blue-ribbon awards won at shows held during the previous year by ADS member societies in the United States and Canada. Previous Stanley Johnson Award recipients are excluded from further competition.
Photo Gallery of winners.
The Les Connell Medal
On December 9th, 2020 a small group of members of the Washington State Dahlia Society (WSDS) and Puget Sound Dahlia Association (PSDA) presented the first Les Connell Medal to Vivian Connell at her home. It was not raining so the presentation was held outdoors with everyone smiling beneath their masks. Don Filand, WSDS, who spearheaded the efforts to create the Les Connell Medal, presented the first medal to Vivian.
The second Les Connell Medal was then presented to Colin Walker, PSDA, for his 2015 introduction – Kelsey Dwarf. ADS President Brad Freeman presented the medal to Colin.
The Les Connell Medal is awarded to the cultivar that has the most total awards in the first 5 years since introduction.
See detailed rules for award. 2020 Award Ceremony.