Announcing Don Howse as the 2024 Chub Harper Award Winner!

Announcing Don Howse as the 2024 Chub Harper Award Winner!

We are thrilled to announce that Don Howse is this year's winner of the Justin C. ‘Chub’ Harper Award for Development in the Field of Conifers! This award is a prestigious honor, and Don has certainly earned it.

About Don Howse

Don Howse's journey with plants began with a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Idaho. After teaching for several years, he moved to Oregon in 1972 and joined Northwest Nurseries, which later became the Iseli Nursery in 1975. At Iseli Nursery, Don worked closely with Jean Iseli and eventually became the Vice President of Operations.

This role gave Don a unique chance to help bring beautiful conifers to home gardeners everywhere. He also met many other conifer enthusiasts from North America and Europe, furthering his love for these special plants. Don's dedication to conifers led him to become a Charter Member of the American Conifer Society.

Don's passion didn't stop at conifers. He was involved in many plant-related organizations. He served as President of the Bonsai Society of Portland and the Columbia-Willamette Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society. Additionally, he served on the boards of the Berry Botanic Garden and the Hoyt Arboretum Friends Foundation.

A Nursery of His Own

In 1981, with Jean Iseli’s support, Don and Lloyd Porter started Porterhowse Farms in Sandy, Oregon. This specialty nursery focused on rare and dwarf conifers and offered plants both on-site by appointment and via shipment across the United States.

Don Howse's dedication to the world of plants, his innovative propagation techniques, and his contributions to various plant societies make him a deserving recipient of the Chub Harper Award. We congratulate Don on this well-earned recognition and celebrate his ongoing contributions to the field of conifers.

Join us in congratulating Don Howse on this incredible achievement!