Born at the turn of last century, Edward A. Cary experimented with plants throughout his life in central Massachusetts. Among friends and colleagues, Cary and his family became known for an unusual collection that invariably contained plants that others assumed were too tender for the harsh New England winters. When Edward became the last of the Cary’s to pass away in 1987, at age 87, he left his estate to the Worchester County Horticultural Society. An endowment fund for horticultural gifts and awards was created in Cary’s name. A decade after his death, the society created a prestigious horticultural honor – The Cary Award for Distinctive Plants for New England.

Aimed at drawing attention to the types of unusual and underused plants that Edward Cary held so dear to his heart, The Cary Award had become a brand name synonymous with New England hardiness. Gardeners can purchase Cary Award winners at local garden centers with confidence the plants will thrive in New England’s unique climate.

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of the unique plants selected

Sciadoptis
'Wintergreen'

Syringa patula
'Miss Kim'