San Diego Botanic Garden honors 2023 Paul Ecke Jr. Award winner
Dr. Ruth Kobayashi, senior plant breeder and manager for Dümmen Orange was named the 2023 Paul Ecke Jr. Award of Excellence winner by San Diego Botanic Garden. This prestigious honor is named after the late legendary San Diego County horticulturist, Paul Ecke Jr.
Dr. Kobayashi is a leader in the breeding and development of cut flowers, potted plants, succulents, perennials and annuals. She joined Paul Ecke Ranch in 1995, which was acquired by Dümmen Orange in 2013.
“Our organization is proud to recognize Ruth for her significant advancements in plant science and commitment to horticulture,” Dr. Ari Novy, president and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden, said. “She is a true industry leader and a worthyrecipient for the 2023 Paul Ecke Jr. Award of Excellence.”
Dr. Kobayashi’s current focus is on the development of new and novel New Guinea impatiens and poinsettia cultivars. Breeding flowers for nearly three decades, she has developed more than 90 poinsettia and 80 impatiens cultivars. Several of them have been nominated for various horticultural honors including the award winning golden-colored Autumn Leaves poinsettia. Her impact on the horticulture industry has been felt far and wide.
The San Diego Botanic Garden is a nonprofit that is home to a 37-acre garden located in Encinitas, California near the famed former Paul Ecke Ranch. For more information about Dümmen Orange, please visit na.dummenorange.com.
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