Press releases

RHS presents annual awards that recognise outstanding achievement in horticulture

On Tuesday 14 March the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s leading gardening charity will present its annual awards to selected gardeners, horticulturists and nurseries. Over the past year the winners have made outstanding contributions to horticulture and gardening through work on specific cultivars, plant groups, flower show exhibits or plant competitions. The awards ceremony will be held in the morning at the March RHS London Flower Show at the Horticultural Halls in Westminster.

RHS President Sir Richard Carew Pole will present the 20 awards and commented, “The RHS has been recognising horticultural excellence since its foundation over 200 years ago and the dedication and commitment shown by these award winners, to their particular areas of horticulture, is truly inspirational. They demonstrate the very best in their field, whether through their flower show exhibits, or their research into the cultivation, hybridisation or development of specific plant groups and help to expand and develop the world of horticulture for all gardeners.”

The winners include Mrs Jay W Murray, who was awarded the Loder Rhododendron Cup in recognition of her valuable contribution to rhododendron horticulture. Jay has been a Registrar for the American Rhododendron Society for over 20 years, and throughout this time has been responsible for collating several thousand registrations. Jay is also involved in the draft of the new International Register, which is now nearing completion after the meticulous checking of all 27,000 entries.

Following success in 2005, Jekka’s Herb Farm was again awarded the Colin Spires Herb Trophy for the best exhibit of medicinal and/or culinary herbs staged during the year at an RHS show. Jekka’s Herb Farm is being awarded the trophy for their outstanding exhibit of herbs grown to Soil Association standards at the Chelsea Flower Show 2005 which also won them a coveted RHS Gold Medal.

The Marsh Horticultural Research Award is a new award to be awarded annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution or conducted a long-term research into fruit and vegetable growing. Mr Brian Smith has been awarded this for his work in developing hybrid leeks, sweet tasting onions and carrots with resistance to carrot fly and cavity spot.

In July the RHS will announce and award its Victoria Medal of Honour in Horticulture (VMH), the Associate of Honour, the Veitch Memorial medal and the Harlow Carr medals. These will be presented at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Notes to Editors

For more information contact Laura Tibbs in the RHS Press Office on 0870 350 1769 or e-mail lauratibbs@rhs.org.uk

The 20 awards to presented on 14 March and their recipients are as follows:
18 of the 20 winners will be present at the award ceremony. If you would like to contact any of them, please contact Laura Tibbs in the RHS Press Office

A J Waley Medal
Awarded to: Mr Graham Sanderson
The medal is awarded annually by the Rhododendron and Camellia Committee to a working gardener who has helped in the cultivation of rhododendrons.
It is awarded to Mr Graham Sanderson in recognition of his interest, care and commitment to the collection of rhododendrons in the Valley Gardens at Windsor Great Park over a period of nearly 25 years. Graham is a great enthusiast of the rhododendron and has travelled widely in promoting the genus and gaining further knowledge both in the UK and overseas. In recent years he has overseen the renewal of the Stevenson Collection at Windsor.

Anthony Huxley Trophy
Awarded to: Roualeyn Nursery
The Anthony Huxley Trophy is awarded annually to the best group exhibit of plants normally grown for decorative effect in a protected environment including greenhouses, conservatories or dwelling houses at a show judged by the Tender Ornamental Plant Committee, during the year.
It has been awarded to Roualeyn Nursery for their exhibit of Fuchsias at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2005.

Colin Spires Herb Trophy
Awarded to: Jekka’s Herb Farm
The Colin Spires Herb Trophy is awarded by the Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee for the best exhibit of medicinal and/or culinary herbs staged during the year at one of the Society’s shows.
It has been awarded to Jekka’s Herb Farm for their outstanding exhibit of herbs grown to Soil Association standards shown at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

David Trehane Camellia Cup
Awarded to: Mr Herbert Short
The David Trehane Camellia Cup is awarded annually by the Rhododendron and Camellia Committee to a person who has significantly promoted or increased the knowledge of the genus camellia.
It has been awarded to Mr Herbert Short in recognition of his enthusiasm for growing and promoting the genus camellia. Mr Short has been the editor of the International Camellia Society (UK) Newsletter since 1995. Herbert has produced work that has been incorporated into part of the chemical firm, PBI’s trials on pesticides for camellias and he has also conducted extensive research to trace the arrival of the first camellias in Britain.

E H Trophy
Awarded to: Harts Nursery
The E H Trophy is awarded annually by the Herbaceous Plant Committee for the best exhibit of cut flowers shown to the Society during the year.
It has been awarded to Harts Nursery for their exhibit of Lilies at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in 2005.

Farrer Trophy
Awarded to: Ashwood Nurseries
The Farrer Trophy is awarded by the Rock Garden and Alpine Group Committee for the best exhibit of plants suitable for the rock garden or alpine house staged during the year at one of the Society’s shows.
It has been awarded to Ashwood Nurseries for their display of Cyclamen species at the RHS London Flower Show in October 2005.

Gordon Lennox Trophy
Awarded to: Medwyns of Anglesey
The Gordon-Lennox Trophy is awarded annually by the Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee for the best exhibit of vegetables staged during the year at one of the Society’s Shows.
It has been awarded to Medwyns of Anglesey for their exhibit of vegetables at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

Holford Medal
Awarded to: Alpine Garden Society
The Holford Medal is awarded annually by the Horticultural Board for the best exhibit of plants and/or flowers (fruit and vegetables excluded) staged during the year by an amateur or group of amateurs at one of the Society’s shows.
It is awarded to the Alpine Garden Society for their exhibit of alpines at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

Jones Bateman Cup
Awarded to: Dr David Simpson of East Malling Research
The Jones Bateman Cup is awarded triennially by the Jones-Bateman Assessment Panel for research in fruit culture which has added to our knowledge of cultivation, genetics or other relative matters.
It is awarded to Dr David Simpson for his outstanding work on strawberry breeding.

Lawrence Medal
Awarded to: Hillier Nurseries
The Lawrence Medal is awarded annually by the Horticultural Board for the best exhibit shown to the Society during the year.
It has been awarded to Hillier Nurseries for their exhibit of trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

Loder Rhododendron Cup
Awarded to: Mrs Jay W Murray
The Loder Rhododendron Cup is awarded annually by the Rhododendron and Camellia Committee in recognition of both floral displays and the value to horticulture of the work of the recipient, whether this work includes the production of flowers or not.
It is awarded to Mrs Jay W Murray in recognition of her valuable contribution to rhododendron horticulture. Jay has been a Registrar for the American Rhododendron Society since November 1985 and over this period has been responsible for collating several thousand registrations. Her efforts have ensured a high level of accuracy and completeness of the Society’s Rhododendron Register. Additionally, Mrs Murray is involved in the draft of the new International Register, now nearing completion. She has checked all 27,000 entries meticulously, providing an extraordinary amount of extra data on existing entries together with hundreds of accounts of missing cultivars missing from the records. She is also a determined promoter of rhododendron cultivar registration, writing articles and speaking at conventions.

The Marsh Horticultural Research Award
Awarded to: Mr Brian Smith
The Marsh Horticultural Research Award is to be awarded annually by the Marsh Christian Trust in conjunction with the RHS to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution or conducted long term research into fruit and vegetable growing. This is the first year this award has been presented. The Society is grateful to Brian Marsh and The Marsh Christian Trust for funding this award.
It is awarded to Brian Smith for his work in developing hybrid leeks, sweet tasting onions and carrots with resistance to carrot fly and cavity spot.

Reginald Cory Memorial Cup
Awarded to: Mr Ernst Pagels
The Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded annually by the Reginald Cory Memorial Cup Committee to a raiser whose hybridisation programme within a particular genus or single species has resulted in the recent introduction and availability of new hardy hybrids of merit.
It is awarded to Mr Ernst Pagels for his work with Miscanthus, in particular for the great range and variation of cultivars that have proven to be readily available and utilised across a range of garden situations both nationally and internationally.

Peter Barr Memorial Cup
Awarded to: Mr Reg Nicholl
The Peter Barr Memorial Cup is awarded annually by the Daffodil and Tulip Committee to an individual who has done good work of some kind in connection with daffodils.
For 2006, it is awarded to Mr Reg Nicholl, whose experience and expertise is recognised by every daffodil enthusiast. Mr Nicholl has been promoting the daffodil for more than 40 years. He has devoted his time and energy to growing and showing daffodils, breeding a number of distinct flowers, and has served with dedication on many daffodil committees.

The RHS Award
Awarded to: Crawford & Newey
The RHS Award is awarded annually by the Horticultural Board for the best exhibitor new to the London Flower Shows during the year.
It is awarded to Crawford and Newey for their exhibit of sweet peas.

The Rothschild Challenge Cup
Awarded to: Millais Nurseries
The Rothschild Challenge Cup is awarded annually by the Rhododendron and Camellia Committee to the best exhibit in which rhododendrons predominate, shown to the Society during the year.
It is awarded to Millais Nurseries for their display of rhododendrons and azaleas at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

The Sewell Medal
Awarded to: D’Arcy & Everest
The Sewell Medal is awarded by the Rock Garden and Alpine Group Committee in 2005 for the finest trade exhibit at the RHS London Flower Show in April.
It is awarded to D’Arcy and Everest for their trade exhibit of alpines at the RHS London Flower Show in April 2005.

The Stanley Lord Bowl
Awarded to: Mr Ken Muir
The Stanley Lord Bowl is awarded annually by the Fruit and Vegetable Committee for the best exhibit of fruit shown to the Society during the year at any of the Society’s shows.
It is awarded to Mr Ken Muir for his exhibit of strawberries at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.

The Wigan Cup
Award Winner: St. Helens Council
The Wigan Cup is awarded annually by the Horticultural Board for the best exhibit shown to the Society during the year by a Local Authority.
It is awarded to St. Helens Council for their National Flowerbed Competition entry displayed at the Tatton Park Flower Show in 2005.

Williams Memorial Medal and the Mrs F E Rivis Prize
Award Winner: Quality Daffodils
Both the Williams Memorial Medal and the F E Rivis Prize are awarded by the Horticultural Board. The Williams Memorial Medal is awarded annually to the best exhibit of a group of plants and/or cut blooms of one genus (fruit and vegetables excepted), which show excellence in cultivation, staged at one of the Society’s Shows during the year. The Mrs F E Rivis Prize is awarded to the gardener or other employee responsible for the cultivation of the exhibit for which the Williams Memorial Medal is awarded.
The Williams Memorial Medal is awarded to Quality Daffodils for high bred and species daffodils at the RHS Spring Flower Show, Cardiff in 2005.

The Mrs F E Rivis Prize is awarded to Mr Ron Scamp for the work he did towards the Quality Daffodils exhibit.

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The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. RHS work includes providing expert advice and information, advancing horticulture, training the next generation of gardeners, helping school children learn about plants, and conducting research into plants, pests and environmental issues affecting gardeners.

An interest in gardening is all you need to enjoy being a member of the RHS. For more information visit www.rhs.org.uk or call 0845 130 4646.

Founded in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society is Britain's largest gardening charity and is committed to being the leading organisation demonstrating excellence in horticulture and promoting gardening. Renowned for its outstanding gardens and inspirational flower shows, the RHS is a key source of advice and information for all gardeners. It encourages gardening through its publications, trials, lectures, education programmes and scientific research and is home to the Lindley Library, which contains the most comprehensive collection of horticultural books in the world.

Membership of the Royal Horticultural Society offers many exclusive benefits including a monthly copy of The Garden magazine; free entrance to RHS Gardens Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire; free access to a further 88 beautiful gardens across Britain and 20 gardens in Belgium and France; access to seeds collected at RHS gardens; free gardening advice and privileged tickets to 18 RHS flower shows, including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show and the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park.

For further enquiries about membership of the RHS contact: Membership Department, Royal Horticultural Society, PO Box 313, London SW1P 2PE; 0845 130 4646 Monday - Friday 9.30am - 5pm or via the RHS website

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