The RHS has announced the recipients of its highest accolades.
At a prestigious annual ceremony in London, the top award, the
Victoria Medal of Honour, was given to
Johan Hermans, and posthumously, to
Mark Flanagan. Only 63 medals may be held at any one time.
Orchid scientist Johan Hermans is a respected horticulturist, member and former Chairman of the RHS Orchid Committee and an experienced RHS Judge. He has gained more than 100 RHS plant awards and several more for his displays of plants and photographs.
Mark Flanagan was a highly knowledgeable plantsman and the Crown Estate’s Keeper of the Gardens in Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden, The Valley Gardens and the private garden at Frogmore House. He travelled extensively in search of hardy plants, was an author and lectured widely. He died on 24 October 2015.
The
Veitch Memorial Medal was awarded to Sarah Carey, Diana Grenfell, Marco Polo Stufano, Ken Thompson and Ernst van Jaarsveld – all recognised for their outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture.
John Watkins and Nicholas Wray received the
Associate of Honour for distinguished service to horticulture.
The
Williams Memorial Medal for a group of plants and/or cut blooms that show excellence in cultivation goes to Brookfield Plants for its exhibit of hostas at the 2015 RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.
Other awards include the Harlow Carr Medal, Wigan Cup, Eric Young Orchid Trophy and Stanley Lord Bowl.
