Our 2023 Master Gardeners of the Year are Tod Bischoff, Cindy Kuester, and Jim Willem for almost daily visits and work at the Display Garden; serving as Plant Sale chair; and work in designing beautiful hardscapes in our many gardens, respectively.

Our 2023 Legacy Master Gardeners of the Year are Bill Bennett, Ernie Hicks, and Carolyn Ruminer — all three have served SWIMGA for many years in many capacities.

Our 2023 Project of the Year recognizes the Family Garden at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Gardens. We thank Vickie Detroy and Karen Green for their leadership in the garden and for making it one of the favorite spots of a zoo visitor. We also recognize the MGDG Vegetable Garden with an Honorable Mention. Under the leadership of Len Winiger, the many volunteers who worked in the garden produced over 6,000 pounds of vegetables which were given to local food pantries this year.

All these Awards were bestowed at our December Christmas Dinner at the 7H Center.