Awards for GN contributors
Three GN contributors have scooped top RHS awards. Carol Klein received the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH), the Royal Horticultural Society’s highest award, at a glittering ceremony in London last week attended by industry figures and colleagues. A delighted Carol told GN: “When I learned the news I just couldn’t believe it! It was so unexpected and I’m excited beyond words. It’s a huge honour and I’m particularly thrilled to be following in the footsteps of some incredible women gardeners; Beth Chatto and Gertrude Jekyll are two of the most famous recipients of the VMH.”
First established in 1897, only 63 people can hold the award at any one time, one for each year of Queen Victoria’s reign.
At the same event Martin Fish also received the Harlow Carr Medal, recognising his significant contribution to horticulture in the North of England. Martin, who lives near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was a previous director of the Harrogate Flower Show. And veg supremo Medwyn Williams won the Gordon-Lennox Trophy for the 18th time, for his exhibit of vegetables at the Malvern Autumn Flower Show.
Another notable success was Matthew Soper of Hampshire Carnivorous Plants, who scooped the Anthony Huxley Trophy, the Williams Memorial Medal and the Mrs F E Rivis Prize for his exhibits of sarracenia in 2017.