The Piedmont Gardeners
SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Information
Amount of Award: $3,000 (full award)/ $1,500 (partial award)
Application Due Date: February 28, 2024
Purpose: To recognize an outstanding student entering the second or third year of the MLA program in
Landscape Architecture at The University of Georgia who demonstrates a special interest in horticulture OR a sophomore or junior in the Department of Horticulture with an emphasis in Ornamentals OR senior year Athens Technical College Horticulture students.
Source of Funds: Beginning in 1992, The Piedmont Gardeners have hosted the Annual Garden Tour of Athens area private gardens. This scholarship is funded from the proceeds of the tour. The amount of the full scholarship is $3000, however the committee may elect to award more than one award; and, may elect to issue one or two partial scholarships at $1,500 each.
The Scholarship: The scholarship award is disbursed to the recipient in two installments, one half prior to the fall semester, and one half upon submission of the transcript following completion of the fall semester.
Selection Process: The selection of the scholarship winner is made by the Scholarship Committee of The Piedmont Gardeners and is based on the applicant's academic record, course work related to horticulture, personal statement, activities, work experience, honors, and recommendations.
Eligibility: Students with a cumulative B average and who are enrolled as a full-time student. If the recipient fails to maintain a cumulative B average, or drops below full-time status, remaining funds will be forfeited. Student must submit a fall transcript to receive second installment of award.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
1) Submit online application form (below) by February 28, 2024
2) Provide one (1) copy of the applicant’s University of Georgia Transcript. Send a copy to: piedmontgardenscholarship@gmail.com
3) Have two Department Faculty each email an academic recommendation to piedmontgardenscolarship@gmail.com
Applicants are responsible for completing applications. Applications that are not complete cannot be considered.
Application materials will not be returned.
The Piedmont Gardeners reserves the right not to award a scholarship in any given year.
On-Line Scholarship Application Form
2023’s Scholarship Recipients
Leandria Garrett - Leandria is a fourth-year Horticulture student at the University of Georgia and is from Forsyth County. Her main interests lie in public gardens, conservation, and native plant and pollinator education. Leandria currently works at Beech Hollow Farms where she is a nursery assistant. Her job includes seed collection and germination, caring for seedlings, and retail sales. After graduation, Leandria will start working towards a Master’s degree in Horticulture to further her education. In her free time, she loves to go on hikes, read books, and play hide and seek with her cat.
Rachel Dingley - After obtaining a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Berry College, Rachel spent time farming and working outdoors, quickly realizing she wanted to put her love for the natural world and design to use. Beginning her journey at the University of Georgia as a graduate student in Landscape Architecture, Rachel quickly realized the power of landscapes to nourish communities, both social and ecological, and to respond to the questions and challenges of today. Currently, as a second-year MLA student, Rachel's love has grown in the areas of graphic communication and ecological restoration, and she is working diligently on designing greenway systems and stormwater parks to make Georgia's communities more resilient. When she's not working towards her studies, Rachel enjoys hikes with her husband and pup, crafting anything with her hands, and reading for fun! She feels immense gratitude for the Piedmont Gardeners and can't wait to further contribute to her Athens community and beyond!