Years: 

Unknown

Year Hutchinson Medal awarded:

1951

Edith Foster Farwell was a distinguished horticulturist, author, and conservationist known especially for her expertise in herbs and garden design. 

She lived in Lake Forest, Illinois, and her garden became nationally renowned, containing more than 150 varieties of herbs. By 1952, the Chicago Tribune referred to it as “one of the country’s most famous.” Farwell was an authority on growing herbs for both medicinal and culinary purposes, and she shared her knowledge through writing and public engagement.

Key contributions:

• In 1958, she published her most popular book, Have Fun With Herbs, which helped popularize herb gardening among amateurs and enthusiasts.
• She also authored My Garden Gate is on the Latch, a book that described her gardening philosophy and practices, emphasizing organic methods.

Other honors:

• Her contributions to horticulture and conservation were recognized with the Garden Club of America’s Achievement Medal in 1973. This honor was awarded for her literary achievements, her work in conservation, and her garden designs—especially the herb gardens she helped develop at the Chicago and Milwaukee Botanical Gardens.