Johnson, Dane, BU Honored by CGA

Peerless pioneering landscape architect Carol R. Johnson of Cambridge, who recently suffered severe fractures from a bike accident in France, was back in the saddle last week to address 120 members and friends of the Boston Committee of the Garden Club of America. Johnson is chairman emeritus of Carol R. Johnson Associates of Boston, the landscape architecture firm that she began over 50 years ago as one of the first woman owned design firms in the US.

Johnson share stories about her encounters with historic figures including Walter Gropius, President Lyndon Johnson, Buckminster “Bucky” Fuller, the Shah of Iran and Carolyn and Ted Kennedy as she explained her design concepts for some of her most innovative projects. Johnson has served as mentor to generations of landscape architects. She is also a Gold Medal awardee of the American Society of Landscape Architects and a lecturer at the Harvard’s Graduate School of Design.

Another inspiring figure of international note, Arabella Dane of Boston, was awarded the organization’s prestigious Boston Bowl for her achievements. She is former president of the American Horticulture Society and the World Association of Flower Arrangers, a three time master judge for the Garden Club of America (horticulture, flower arranging, and photography), and a prized lecturer and mentor.

Boston University was also recognized at this meeting with a Beautification Award for more than $4 million worth of landscape enhancements to Commonwealth Avenue completed 3 years ago in conjunction with the city and the state.

Connie Oliver, Garden Club of America vice president, also attended the gathering, held at the Country Club in Brookline. The Boston Committee supports horticulture and landscape preservation within the city and is part of the GCA.

--CAROL STOCKER