Diane Meucci, co-owner of Gardens Oy Vey in Arlington, received the 2006 Award of Excellence from the Memphis Horticultural Society earlier this week.

Meucci, a third-generation gardener originally from Chicago, was praised for the way she selflessly shares her gardening talents with the community through numerous public lectures and design work. The new hydrangea garden at the Memphis Botanic Garden is one of her projects.

She was commended for these contributions:

* Introducing and educating Mid-Southerners on new and innovative native gardening;

* Establishing with her husband, Wolfgang Marquardt, one of the area’s most unique retail nurseries;

* Inspiring gardeners with her passion for plants and gardening, which is reflected in the lavish landscaping at the nursery;

* Donating plans and plants for landscaping at several Habitat for Humanity homes.

Congratulations Diane!