The Gold Medal Garden contains mainly Gold Medal plants: woody and perennial plants which have been recognized for outstanding merit. The Gold Medal Plant Award Program for landscaping in the Mid-Atlantic region sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was initiated in 1981. Plants are chosen for their superb eye-appeal, performance, and hardiness in the growing region of Zones 5-7. The selection committee, composed of some of the area’s most knowledgeable horticulturists,  evaluates the plants for exceptional adaptability to various cultural and environmental conditions.