James Klett, PhD, Professor and Extension Landscape Horticulture Specialist at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, has been named the 2022 recipient of the American Horticultural Society’s (AHS) Teaching Award, which is given to an individual whose ability to share his or her horticultural knowledge with others has contributed to a better public understanding of the plant world and its important influence on society.
The accolade is one of the Great American Gardeners Awards that the AHS presents annually to individuals, organizations, and businesses that represent the best in American gardening. Each of the recipients has contributed significantly to fields such as scientific research, garden communication, landscape design, youth gardening, and conservation.
After more than 40 years, Dr. Klett announced his retirement last year from teaching.
“Dr. Klett has excelled not only in teaching students in formal classroom settings but also in sharing his knowledge with the general public,” said Jessica G. Davis, head of the university’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, “
Dr. Klett is well-known for his “plant walks,” around campus, where he points out details about herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs. He serves as co-advisor of the Horticulture Club, advisor to Pi Alpha Xi (the Honor Society for Horticulture) and has been a faculty mentor to undergraduate students in the Nursery & Landscape Management concentration as well as doctoral and master’s degree candidates.
Dr. Klett’s research focuses on landscape plant evaluation, and water requirements, weed control, and greenhouse production of landscape plants. Many of Dr. Klett’s campus research sites are open to the public, including the Annual Trial Gardens, the Perennial Gardens and the Arboretum.
Dr. Klett collaborates widely with the plant industry in Colorado and beyond and was instrumental in setting up two major initiatives: PlantTalk and Plant Select.
In 2017, Dr. Klett received the Best Teacher Award from the CSU Alumni Association. Other awards include the Outstanding Horticulture Professor Award in 1981, 1983, 1985 and 2003; and the Pi Alpha Xi Teacher of the Year in 2003.
About the American Horticultural Society
Founded in 1922, the American Horticultural Society is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization committed to modeling, educating about, and advocating for earth-friendly and sustainable gardening practices. To learn more, visit ahsgardening.org. View additional Award Winners here.
