The Piedmont Gardeners

SCHOLARSHIP

 

Scholarship Information


Purpose: Beginning in 1992, The Piedmont Gardeners have hosted the Annual Garden Tour of Athens area private gardens to fund a scholarship. The goal is to recognize outstanding students at The University of Georgia who have a special interest in ornamentals.

Selection Process: The Piedmont Gardeners are in the process of revising how our 2025/ 2026 scholarships will be distributed. Please stay posted.

2024-25 Scholarship Recipients

Sofi Hooks

My name is Sofi Hooks and I am currently pursuing my master's degree in the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Georgia. I love being in nature, gardening, crafting, and cooking. Much of my childhood was spent in southeast Georgia and I moved to north Georgia during my middle school and high school years. I really enjoy landscape architecture and I look forward to learning more about native gardens and sustainable plantings. My thesis research focuses on the integration of bioregional herbalism into public spaces, and I am excited to present my findings in the coming year!

Zachary Hutzell

I grew up in Lawrenceville, GA, and attended Archer High School. In high school, I became interested in growing bonsai trees through YouTube videos; this sparked a love for plants that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life! In 2019, I graduated and started my undergraduate degree in Horticulture. I soon became a student worker in the Woody Ornamentals Lab under Dr. Donglin Zhang. In my undergraduate research, I explored woody ornamental stem cutting propagation for novel species, such as Myrica rubra (yang mei). In the spring of 2024 I began my Master’s degree in horticulture, and now I am evaluating different hops (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties for growers in Georgia.

Patricia Swierczek

Patricia is a fourth-year horticulture student at the University of Georgia with minors in plant pathology and turfgrass management. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, she spent many years finding joy in horticulture through public gardens and local conservation sites. Patricia has great interest in trial research, landscape gardening, and sustainable plant problem solving. After graduation, Patricia hopes to continue her education towards a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology. When not in the greenhouse, Patricia loves to hike, ride horses, and try to cook new foods!