Few people have inspired more civic pride and environmental stewardship in Greenwich than Mary Hull, longtime Executive Director of Greenwich Green & Clean. Hortulus of Greenwich recently honored Hull with the 2025 Emmy Ogden Mentoring Award, recognizing her decades of leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the town’s natural beauty.
The Emmy Ogden Mentoring Award was established in memory of Emmy Ogden, a dedicated Hortulus member known for mentoring young people in horticulture and floral design. The award, which includes a $2000 gift, will be presented annually for the next eight years to members of the Greenwich community who exemplify Emmy’s legacy—those who inspire a love of nature, foster creativity, and display generosity of spirit.
Under Hull’s guidance, Greenwich Green & Clean grew from a litter-prevention initiative into a vibrant force for beautification, conservation, and education. While Isabel and Peter Malkin founded the organization, Hull expanded its mission to include invasive plant removal at Tod’s Point, recycling programs, public-private partnerships, and school outreach. Her leadership inspired hundreds of volunteers to take part in town-wide cleanups, plant daffodils, maintain traffic islands, and—perhaps most visibly—hang more than 100 begonia-filled baskets each summer along Greenwich Avenue and the Post Road.
Even as funding challenges arose, Hull helped secure partnerships to sustain these projects, notably working with Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses to grow, install, and water the hanging baskets that have become a Greenwich hallmark. She also championed youth education, ensuring that every beautification effort offered opportunities for children to learn about conservation, nature and community responsibility.
“Mary’s generosity of spirit, collaborative approach, and lifelong commitment to education embody everything the Emmy Award represents,” said a Hortulus member. “Her leadership has inspired generations to care for the town we all share.”
