2026 Special Recognition Award Recipients Presented at PPA National Symposium

East Lansing, Michigan – During the Perennial Plant Association’s (PPA) 2026 National Symposium in East Lansing, Michigan, five outstanding perennial industry professionals and organizations were honored for their exceptional contributions with Special Recognition Awards.

This year’s awards and recipients are:

• Emerging Perennial Professional Award

Recipient: Chris Ruger, Regional Sales Manager, North Creek Nurseries

This award recognizes a talented and dedicated newcomer to the perennial plant industry.

Chris Ruger began his career in the perennial industry more than 10 years ago as a grower in the perennial department at Quality Greenhouses before advancing to the role of Business Development Manager. During his time there, he continually sought opportunities to expand the company’s market through new programs, innovative ideas and product development.

In 2025, Chris joined North Creek Nurseries as Regional Sales Manager, bringing his passion and expertise to the Midwest. Today, he shares his knowledge with growers and landscape professionals throughout the region.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris has been an invaluable member of the Perennial Plant Foundation Board of Trustees for several years, consistently contributing fresh ideas and thoughtful leadership.

• Perennial Outreach and Education Award

Recipient: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This award honors an individual or organization that advances perennial plants and the horticulture industry through education, advocacy, outreach, promotion and public awareness.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s horticulture team does far more than maintain and display beautiful gardens. The staff actively participates in commercial horticulture through plant trials while also promoting gardening to the public through extensive educational programming.

The zoo also conducts numerous community outreach projects, including installing gardens at schools and in inner-city neighborhoods. Through its partnership with the Cincinnati Reds Community Fund, the team creates a new community garden each year.

New this year, the zoo is establishing a perennial trial featuring more than 90 varieties in addition to its existing collection of approximately 600 annual varieties.

The organization also conducts research on endangered native perennial species and pollinator populations. Students in the Buzz Troop participate by photographing pollinators and documenting which plants attract specific species.

• Perennial Excellence Award

Recipient: Steve Castorani, North Creek Nurseries

The Perennial Excellence Award recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions, expertise and leadership have significantly advanced herbaceous perennial plants and the perennial industry.

Steve Castorani is President and CEO of North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. He and Dale Hendricks founded the nursery in 1988 with a focus on perennial plugs, an uncommon production method at the time.

Although North Creek is not exclusively a native plant nursery, the company has championed ecological plants and sustainable landscaping since its founding. Its motto, “Where Horticulture Meets Ecology,” reflects that commitment.

In 2004, Steve co-created the American Beauties Native Plants brand to increase awareness of the value and benefits of native plants.

Steve is also a longtime member, generous sponsor and dedicated supporter of the Perennial Plant Association.

• 2026 Perennial Service Award

Recipient: Shannon Currey, Horticultural Educator, Content Creator and Education & Outreach Director, Izel Plants

The Perennial Service Award recognizes a Perennial Plant Association member for outstanding service to both the Association and the horticulture industry.

With more than 20 years in the nursery industry, Shannon Currey has built an exceptional career centered on education and service. She has developed extensive expertise in ornamental grasses, sedges and native perennials.

Shannon has written for national publications and has traveled throughout the United States speaking to professional organizations, community groups and public gardens.

Her leadership includes serving on the Perennial Plant Association Board of Directors, as well as serving as Trustee and later President of the Perennial Plant Foundation.

She currently serves on the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program Scientific Committee and holds advisory roles with several organizations, including the Legislative Committee of the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

• 2025 Perennial Service Award Recognition

Recipient: Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, Virginia Tech

In addition to recognizing the 2026 recipients, PPA also honored 2025 Perennial Service Award recipient Holly Scoggins.

A longtime member of the Association, Dr. Scoggins has distinguished herself through years of dedicated service and leadership. She has served the organization in numerous capacities, including Regional Director, President-elect, President and Past President.

During her tenure, she helped implement governance and membership policy changes that strengthened the Association, encouraged greater board engagement and supported new initiatives to expand membership.

Dr. Scoggins has also demonstrated a deep commitment to the future of the perennial industry through her service on the Perennial Plant Foundation Board, both during and after her time on the PPA Board of Directors.

Her dedication and leadership have had a lasting impact on the Association.

The Perennial Plant Association extends its congratulations to all of the 2026 Special Recognition Award recipients.

To learn more about the recipients and the awards program, visit the Perennial Plant Association website.

About the Perennial Plant Association

The Perennial Plant Association is a trade association composed of growers, retailers, landscape designers, contractors, educators and other professionals involved in the herbaceous perennial industry.

Since 1984, the Association has worked to connect professionals, provide education and promote perennial plants throughout the horticulture industry.