Photo courtesy of NGB
The National Garden Bureau and All-America Selections have named Connie Bijl the 2026 Medallion of Honor recipient in recognition of her longstanding service to AAS and her contributions to the horticulture industry.
The flower seed manager at William Dam Seeds, based in Hamilton, Ontario, since 2000, Bijl combines extensive plant knowledge with a designer’s eye in evaluating flowers and sharing her expertise with others, the organizations said.
Bijl has served as an AAS judge since 2011 and has held several leadership roles within the organization: vice president in 2015 and 2016, president in 2017 and 2018 and past president in 2019 and 2020. She has also reviewed bylaws and served on the AAS Trials/Judges Committee.
Her connection to the seed industry spans generations: her grandparents, William and Maria Dam, founded William Dam Seeds in 1949. She studied fashion design and production at Sheridan College and worked as production manager for Toronto fashion designer Sunny Choi before joining the family business in 1996.
Colleagues describe Bijl as generous with her expertise, exacting in her evaluation of new plants and committed to supporting students and the organizations she serves.
“Connie is generous with both her time and expertise,” said Rodger Tschanz of the University of Guelph. He cited her willingness to welcome students to her trials and seed-packing facility, where she shares practical insights into field-grown cut flowers and the selection of varieties suited to customers’ needs.
Bijl’s attention to detail has also strengthened the organization’s governance work, including updates to AAS bylaws, policies and guidelines.
“Her insights have been invaluable, her patience impressive, and Connie has ‘eagle’ eyes for the finer details,” said Jeannine Bogard of Syngenta Vegetables.
Beyond her service to the horticulture industry, Bijl is an award-winning floral designer and a floral design judge accredited by the Garden Clubs of Ontario. Her volunteer work includes serving on the board of The Children’s Garden Project Canada and creating visual installations for her church.
The Medallion of Honor recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing horticulture and significantly increased the visibility of All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau.
“Connie’s leadership, plant evaluation expertise, governance work and commitment to education exemplify those standards,” the organizations said.