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About

The American Hydrangea Society was formed in 1994 for people who love hydrangeas and want to "study and learn about the genus Hydrangea, its species and cultivars, as well as its culture, habits, hardiness, and performance." A fascination with the hydrangea in all of its forms is the common thread that unites the members of the AHS. The American Hydrangea Society was founded by Penny McHenry in 1994 in Atlanta, GA.

Her story of how she started this society is a simple one:

"In 1975, I was given a gift of a blue hydrangea. It was love at first sight. As I explored the genus, my passion grew. A few years later, I learned I was not alone; many gardeners share my addiction. By 1994, I was convinced that the world's perfect shrub deserved a plant society to celebrate and explore its versatility."

Penny McHenry
Founder of the American Hydrangea Society
1925-2006


Members

Membership in the AHS entitles you to a newsletter containing educational information from meetings, announcements on hydrangea events, and information about books and articles that deal with hydrangeas. The American Hydrangea Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Each year since its inception, the society has sponsored a garden tour in Atlanta, Georgia, for its members. The tour features gardens filled with hydrangeas of every type. It is always an inspiration and an educational experience.

If you are interested in joining us, please go to our Join page.


Officers & Directors

2024-2026 OFFICERS

Jennifer Petritz, President

Ozzie Johnson, Vice President

Leisl Marmon, Secretary

Cheri Felton, Treasurer

Penny McHenry, Founder
1925-2006

Past President 2018-2022
Eva Kinney


2023-2025 DIRECTORS

Julie Fitzgerald
Dörte Wohmann-Schmieta
 

2024-2026 DIRECTORS

Michael Knee 
Duane Stone
Eva Kinney

Committee Chairs & Co-Chairs

Garden Tour
Dörte Wohmann-Schmieta, Chair
Linda Cline, Committee member
gardentour@americanhydrangeasociety.org

Plant Raffle
Cheri Felton, Co-Chair
David Felton, Co-Chair

Programs
Ozzie Johnson

Membership
Jennifer Mintern, Chair
membership@americanhydrangeasociety.org

Publicity
Duane Stone, Chair
news@americanhydrangeasociety.org

Social Media
Jennifer Sheppard, Chair
social@americanhydrangeasociety.org

Volunteers
Michael Knee, Chair
volunteers@americanhydrangeasociety.org

Hospitality
Duane Stone, Chair
Dianne Lazzari, Committee member
Jeff Potter, Committee member

Photography/Website
Julie Taylor Fitzgerald

Newsletter
Eva Kinney, Editor
Duane Stone, Committee member