Held in London at the Lindley Hall on the 25th of March, the annual Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) People Awards celebrate the dedication, achievements and hard work of individuals in horticulture, through eight distinguished honours. All nominations are assessed by experienced horticulturists from across the industry the strongest applications of which are assessed by the RHS Horticulture and Sustainability Board and the RHS Council.
The garden designer, writer and broadcaster, Arit Anderson was one of six recipients of the Veitch Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to the science and practice of horticulture. Anderson, is a passionate advocate for sustainable horticulture and her work, which spans hospital gardens, community spaces and public projects, has a strong focus on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable materials.
Fellow recipients awarded the Veitch Memorial Award: Dr Charlotte Allender; Tony Avent; Dr Koen Camelbeke, Catherine Dawson and Maïté Delmas. Dr Charlotte Allender’s stewardship of the UK Vegetable Genebank has been vital in preserving crop diversity for future generations. The impact of the work of Maïté Delmas spans policy, research, and education, shaping international biodiversity strategies and mentored future generations of horticulturists.
The daffodil breeder, Ron Scamp was one of six to receive one of the RHS’ highest two honours: the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) and the Elizabeth Medal of Honour (EMH), which recognise exceptional contributions to horticulture and gardening. At any time, only 63 VMHs and 70 EMHs are held, reflecting the lengths of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II’s reigns.
“My favourite daffodil is always the last one I picked, but I used to pick one for my granny in the hedgerows called ‘White Lady’ a historic, beautiful daffodil. Some that I’ve bred have literally gone all over the world. When this award turned up, goodness me, I was bit a choked. It’s such an honour. I’ve got everything out of life I possibly could through growing daffodils,” said Scamp.
Recipients of Victoria Medal of Honour
- Ron Scamp, internationally renowned for breeding, growing and saving daffodils. Scamp’s own collection in Cornwall holds around 2000 varieties.
- Sarah Cook, for her work reintroducing the celebrated bearded irises bred by Cedric Morris as well as the Tulipa sprengeri, now extinct in the wild.
- Martyn Rix, an exceptional plantsman whose popular Garden Plant Series titles has sold more than four million copies worldwide and who has led extensive botanical explorations around the globe.
Recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour
- Sir Nicholas Bacon, former RHS President, a passionate horticulturist, conservationist and leader who has established an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, and snowdrop collection at his family home, Raveningham Hall and Gardens, Norfolk
- Dr Clare Hermans, alongside a successful career as a GP, Hermans developed a love of tropical and hardy orchids and became the first female Chair of the RHS Orchid Committee.
- John Sonnier, Head Gardener at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington D.C, John is custodian of a large collection of historical orchids at the Embassy, which were almost lost during the Second World War.
According to the RHS, this is the first time in living memory that there are now two married couples in which both husband and wife hold a VMH or EMH. Sarah Cook’s husband, Jim Marshall, received the VMH two years ago for his long and distinguished service to horticulture, while Dr Clare Hermans’ husband, Johan Hermans, received the VMH in 2016 for his own work on orchids.
Medal recipients
- Held for life, the Associate of Honour is awarded to those who have rendered distinguished service to the practice of horticulture during the course of their working career. For 2025, it was awarded to Michael Adams, Michael Fitt and Malcolm Pharoah.
- Held for one year, the Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded to those who encourage the production of new hybrids of garden origin and have introduced and made available a new hybrid of merit. For 2025, it was awarded to Daniel Michael.
- Held for life, the Harlow Carr Medal is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to horticulture in the North of England. The 2025 recipient was Sue Wood.
- The Roy Lancaster Award is awarded to those under 35 who have achieved an exceptional contribution to the practice, science or promotion of horticulture. For 2025, the medal was awarded to Jack Aldridge.
- The Carew Pole Community Award is awarded to those who have made an outstanding contribution to a community gardening programme over a period of time that brings value to the wider community. For this year, that award when to Sally Lee.
Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s RHS People Awards. These honours acknowledge the extraordinary passion, dedication, and expertise of those who have made a real difference to horticulture. This year’s recipients have not only enriched gardens and communities but have also contributed to the future of horticulture through conservation, education, and sustainable practices around the world.”
