Awards

Rosie Atkins, Charles Dowding, Chris Lane & Neil Lucas amongst those celebrated at the RHS People Awards

RHS People Award winners were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to horticulture and gardening at the awards ceremony in the Lindley Hall, London.

Every year, the RHS People Awards recognise the achievements of individuals in the industry for their outstanding contribution to horticulture and gardening. Anyone can put forward a nomination, which are assessed by the RHS Awards Committee. The committee, comprised of experienced horticulturists from across the horticultural industry put their strongest applications forward to the RHS Horticulture Board and RHS Council for a final decision.

For 2024, the highest honours in horticulture, the Victoria Medal of Honour and the Elizabeth Medal of Honour were awarded to six worthy recipients. Keith Weed, RHS President, said: “This year’s recipients of the Victoria Medal of Honour and the Elizabeth Medal of Honour – the highest honours in horticulture, have made an immeasurable contribution to horticulture and have inspired designers, growers and gardeners of all levels of experience. Their passion and enthusiasm shines through in every avenue of horticultural activity they undertake, and our gardening knowledge has been greatly enriched by their achievements.”

Victoria Medal of Honour

The Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) was established in 1897, with the assent of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, to enable the RHS Council to confer conspicuous honour on those British horticulturists deserving of special honour by the Society. In recognition of the duration of Queen Victoria’s reign, only 63 medals may be held at any one time.

The Elizabeth Medal of Honour

Established in 2023, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour in perpetual remembrance of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Medal enables the RHS Council to confer conspicuous honour on those that have significantly impacted the advancement of the science, art or practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment. In recognition of the duration of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, only 70 medals will be held at any one time.

Associate of Honour

An Associate of Honour may be awarded to persons of British nationality who have rendered distinguished service to the practice of horticulture during the course of their working career. The Associate of Honour is held for life and the number of Associates may not exceed 100 at any one time (excluding those Associates who also hold the Victoria Medal of Honour).

  • The 2024 Associate of Honour was awarded to Tony Hall, Kim Hurst, John Lanyon and Jaimie Parsons

The Veitch Memorial Medal

The Veitch Memorial Medal is awarded annually to persons of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture.

  • The 2024 Veitch Memorial Medal was awarded to Monica Musalem Bendek, Tim Briercliffe, Mike Calnan and Mr and Mrs Stephenson Clarke

Reginald Cory Memorial Cup

To encourage the production of new hybrids of garden origin, the Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded to a raiser whose hybridisation programme has resulted in the recent introduction and availability of new hybrids of merit. This award is not limited by plant hardiness or to the breeding of a particular genus or species, though fruit and vegetables are excluded. The Cup is held for one year and awarded annually.

  • The 2024 Reginald Cory Memorial Cup was awarded to Vance Hooper

The Harlow Carr Medal

The Harlow Carr Medal is awarded for life to those who have made a significant contribution to horticulture in the North of England, through length of service, commitment to projects or unique capabilities, combined with reliability and professionalism.

  • The 2024 Harlow Carr Medal was awarded to John Gibbons

Roy Lancaster Award

The Roy Lancaster Award is open to those under 35 on the date of nomination who have achieved an exceptional contribution to the practice, science or promotion of horticulture.

“I am delighted today to have been down to London to accept the Roy Lancaster award by the @the_rhs, presented by Roy himself. Given to a person under 35 who has achieved an exceptional contribution to the practice, science or promotion of horticulture. I was beyond chuffed to be nominated by David Hall, seconded by Bill Simpson and others (both ex-Principals of Pershore) and selected by the committee”.

Carew Pole Community Award

The Carew Pole Community Award is awarded to anyone in the UK who has made an outstanding contribution to a community gardening programme over a period of time including community gardens orchards urban and rural programmes that bring value to the wider community that they are based.

  • The 2024 Carew Pole Community Award was awarded to Steve Catanach