MARK CULLEN NAMED TO THE ORDER OF CANADA

Toronto Star columnist Mark Cullen has been awarded one of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada.

His appointment as a member recognizes “his contributions to promoting and developing horticulture education in Canada and for his ability to explain how Canadians can protect the environment,” the office of Gov. Gen. David Johnston said.

Cullen received a phone call on May 30 while in Jasper, Alta. “The call went like this: ‘Hello, Mark?’ ‘I am.’ ‘I am calling from the Governor General’s office in Ottawa to say that you are being awarded the Order of Canada.’

“My heart started to pound as I had no idea that this was coming.

“I told the people in the car before the voice on the phone could say, ‘Don’t tell anyone until July 1 — the Governor General’s office likes to make these announcements.’ They yelled and were thrilled.”

Cullen was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal in 2003 for his Plant a Row, Grow a Row program in support of Canada’s food bank community. He is the founding chair of the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute (hohtribute.ca), a tree for every Canadian who has fallen in war since Confederation in 1867 — 117,000 trees.

He is president of his own company, Mark’s Choice Ltd., and is also spokesman and consultant for Home Hardware Canada, CIL Golfgreen and SHARE Agriculture Foundation. His website, markcullen.com, has answers to thousands of gardening questions and offers a free monthly e-newsletter and podcast.

As well as his weekly column for the Saturday Properties section in Star Touch, and New in Homes & Condos in the Saturday Star, Cullen is the author of 21 books and has weekly radio and TV segments.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967, during the centennial year.

More than 6,500 people have been invested into the Order.