Allan travels widely as a lecturer and consultant and has received numerous awards from nursery trade groups and horticultural organizations, including the Medal of Honor from the Garden Club of America. He was recognized as one of the best teachers in the nation when he received the distinguished National Educator Award from the American Horticultural Society.

He is well known as a writer, speaker and researcher throughout the world. He holds his B.Sc from MacDonald College, Quebec, M.Sc. from University of Guelph, Ontario and his Ph.D. from Michigan State. His publications include nine books and more than 350 articles and papers.

Allan has lectured in Canada, the United States, China, Colombia, New Zealand, Australia,and Europe. He has visited research centers and production centers throughout the world and is constantly studying annuals, perennials, cut flowers, and greenhouse crops in various climates. He teaches courses in Greenhouse Production, Greenhouse Crop Management, and Herbaceous plant Identification and Use.

He writes a monthly column for Greenhouse Grower Magazine, a national trade journal, in which he discusses new crops and new trends in floriculture.