Ernesta Ballard, 85; Horticulturist, Activist Helped Found NOW

Ernesta Drinker Ballard, 85, a founding member of the National Organization for Women and horticulturist who helped build the Philadelphia Flower Show into a world-class event, died Aug. 11 of complications from a stroke, her family said.

Heavily involved in feminist and civic causes, Ballard marched on Washington, lobbied for the Equal Rights Amendment, and raised money for female candidates.

She also was a founding member of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League, and was chairwoman of the organization from 1989 to 1991.

Ballard closed a thriving horticultural business in 1964 to head the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and supervise its annual extravaganza, the Philadelphia Flower Show, expanding the organization from four employees to more than 100.