2025 GALA
Georgia Landscape Awards
The tradition started with the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association and has continued with the Georgia Urban Ag Council. For well over 20 years, we have celebrated the excellence of our members by showcasing their projects.
Design/Build/Installation: Residential, under $25,000
Arcoiris Design Gardening
Graham Blossoming Elegance
Bronze award
Design/Build/Installation: Residential, $25k - $100k
Garden Lights Landscaping
Hall Residence
Bronze award
City Garden Company
Clairemont
Silver award
Newcomer of the Year
Designed Landscapes by HP Dutra
Virginia House
Silver award
City Garden Company
Vedado
Gold award
Newcomer of the Year
Atlanta Fine Gardens
Fultz Residence
Gold award
Earth Aware
Judges' Choice
Design/Build/Installation: Residential, $100k - $250k
Ed Castro Landscape
Buchman Residence
Bronze award
Garden Lights Landscaping
Faa Residence
Silver award
City Garden Company
Ravenwood
Gold award
Newcomer of the Year
Art of Stone Gardening
Dahlonega Perennial Garden
Gold award
Earth Aware
Judges' Choice
Design/Build/Installation: Residential, $250k - $500k
Garden Lights Landscaping
Zobel Residence
Gold award
Seasonal Color: Residential
Designed Landscapes by HP Dutra
Dale & Liptak Residence
Bronze award
Gibbs Landscape Company
Gerken Residence
Bronze award
Seasonal Color: Commercial
Gibbs Landscape Company
Sugarloaf Country Club
Silver award
Design/Build/Installation: Commercial, under $25,000
Arcoiris Design Gardening
CKS Vegetable and Pollinator Garden
Gold award
Design/Build/Installation: Commercial, $100k - $250k
Garden Lights Landscaping
Sankofa Montessori School
Silver award
Design/Build/Installation: Commercial, $250k - $500k
Ed Castro Landscape
Mid Town Art Walk
Gold award
Judges' Choice
Landscape Management: Residential
Ed Castro Landscape
Buchman Residence
Bronze award
Ed Castro Landscape
Lichtenstein Residence
Bronze award
Ed Castro Landscape
Minutelli Residence
Bronze award
Landscape Management: Commercial
The Pruning Guru, Inc.
East Park HOA
Bronze award
MVP
Hope Smith
Hope is the backbone of our company—organized, efficient, and always willing to step up and help. She takes the lead on key initiatives, keeps everything running smoothly, and ensures our team has the support they need to succeed.
Beyond her expertise, Hope embodies our core values every day. She puts People First by always being there for her team. She strives to Grow Better by improving processes and pushing initiatives forward. And she truly Loves Nature, embracing the heart of our industry and the work we do.
She leads by example, demonstrating what it means to be accountable, proactive, and supportive. Her positive attitude and ability to handle challenges with grace inspire those around her to do their best work. She sets the standard for excellence, and her impact reaches far beyond her own responsibilities.
Nominated by Melissa Miller, Maintenance Operations Manager, Plants Creative Landscapes
Supplier of the Year
Premier Growers, Inc.
Lewis & Randy Sharp
Throughout our collaboration, Premier Growers has provided exceptional service, delivering high-quality products with remarkable efficiency and reliability. Their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction has set them apart as a leader in their industry. Their strong ability to adapt to our evolving needs and provide tailored solutions have significantly enhanced our operations, making them an invaluable partner.
The entire team is welcoming and supportive during the intense busy season. What truly sets Premier apart is their commitment to reaching out during non-business hours when urgent matters arise. They go the extra mile to make sure that correct orders are placed, demonstrating their unwavering support and reliability. Their above-and-beyond efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the smooth operation of our projects and fostering a strong, trusting partnership.
Nominated by Megan Galyas, Seasonal Color Designer, Gibbs Landscape Company
GALA Judges
JUD GRIGGS – The Harvest Group
With over 40 years of experience in Design/Build, Jud consults with companies across the country to help them improve their operations as well as Sales and Marketing processes. His ability to observe and assess a company and then offer solid solutions and ideas to help a company take the next step in their growth is invaluable. Speaking on topics ranging from customer service, sales, and sales management, Strategic planning, and budgeting, makes Jud a sought-after speaker as well.
JENNY HARDGRAVE – Simply Flowers, Inc.
When Hardgrave started Simply Flowers, Inc. in 2001 she had $10 in her pocket and a dozen clients; now the company has grown from 12 clients to over 700! Not only are Jenny’s designs creative and colorful, she understands the importance of caring for the plants once they are in the ground. Simply Flowers has a reputation for unique designs, quality flowers, and outstanding customer service.
BRUCE HOLLIDAY
Holliday, a landscape architect, is a 40-year veteran of the landscape industry. He is known for his unique on-site scaled-sketch design format and has prepared thousands of his “walk away” plans for homes and businesses, not only in Atlanta, but in Alabama, and the Carolinas.
GREG HUBER
Huber is Assistant Superintendent of Plant Operations at the University of Georgia, Griffin campus. He is a registered landscape architect with a 25-year career that blends industry and teaching experience, including former leadership of the Georgia Certified Landscape and Plant Professional Certification Programs through the UGA Center for Urban Agriculture.
ERIC KING - King Landscaping
With an eye for detail and a commitment to simplicity, Eric King marries nature’s best elements with his clients’ highest hopes and imaginations. So it’s no surprise that he has a long list of satisfied clients and a host of award-winning designs throughout Atlanta. From outdoor rooms that blur the lines between interior and exterior spaces to lush gardens that beg you to sit and stay for a while, Eric achieves dramatic results by first listening to his clients, then studying the land.
RICHARD LUDWIG
Dr. Richard Ludwig, a college educator of 30+ years specializing in horticulture, landscape design, and landscape management, was horticulture program director and Georgia Green Industry Educator of the Year. His career includes hosting PBS TV’s GardenSmart, serving as a Southern Living magazine garden specialist, and as a national spokesperson for Miracle Gro potting soils.