Award Winner Casts a Long Shadow The recipient of the Southeast Flower Show's first annual Robert McGee Balentine Award is Don Shadow, a fourth generation nurseryman who works as a plantsman and preservationist. Shadow Nursery, his woody ornamentals nursery in Winchester, Tennessee, is not only the site of extensive propagation of nearly extinct natives--without whose efforts such species as the American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) might otherwise no longer exist, but also of the plants of the future--hybrids whose improved resistance to pests and diseases will help them survive. "A nurseryman grows what can sell without regard to growing and preserving species, but [a plantsman has] got to be a salesman to convince people to plant new and useful plants." Admittedly, Shadow describes his plants as "new and useful" because people were reluctant to plant nearly extinct species--"...afraid they might lose one...--but he makes educating buyers about preserving or improving cultivars the responsibility of plantsmen: "Landscape Architects and garden centers don't know about them; [plantsmen] have to extol their virtues..." and advises that "superior selections" from seedling variations are the means through which to create the genetic diversity to improve a species, rather than the general practice of propagating from tissue cultures, rootings, and cuttings. About the implied comparison to Balentine, the award recipient said "[Balentine] foresaw the future" with his work to better inner city Atlanta. Firmly believing "no help is lasting help unless it is self-help," Shadow has also been involved in inner city projects himself during three terms on the U.S. Arboretum advisory council, concluding that the pattern of participation (ie, self-help) seems to be of older generations with farm upbringing first, then children, and then the middle-aged. Shadow is also creating a working farm which preserves the lifestyle of early 1900's America called "Shadows of the Past." The Robert McGee Balentine Horticulture Award recognizes an individual or group in the Southeast who has contributed significantly in the field of horticulture. It commemorates Robert McGee Balentine, an Atlanta businessman with extensive knowledge of camellias and roses. As a founding member of the Southeast Flower Show and President of Gardens for Peace, Balentine implemented inner city gardens in Atlanta and fostered peace and respect for the environment through public gardens worldwide. Horticulture award winner Don Shadow's improved and preserved species support design.