Gardener, writer and broadcaster Matthew Biggs has been presented with the RHS’ most coveted People Awards – the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) – recognising and celebrating his extensive services to horticulture.

The VMH recognises British gardeners deserving of special honour by the Society. Past recipients include HRH King Charles II, Beth Chatto and David Austin.

The RHS Council presented Matthew Biggs with his VMH amid his ongoing cancer care, during which he has discussed the solace found in gardening and taken to fundraising and spearheading the creation of a space for fellow patients to enjoy at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Hertfordshire.

Matthew’s career spans five decades; from his training at Kew Gardens to a 35-year stint as BBC Radio 4 Gardeners’ Question Time panellist. In that time he has also published over 20 gardening books, lectured trainee gardeners, gardening groups and horticultural societies at home and abroad and volunteered with organisations including Plant Heritage. He is also a member of the RHS Woody Expert Group and an RHS Show Judge.

More recently Matthew has become an advocate for gardening and wellbeing, involving himself in projects promoting the therapeutic benefits of gardening and supporting healthcare environments, including the redevelopment of the gardens at Mount Vernon.

The VMH ceremony was hosted at RHS Garden Wisley by Tim Upson and presented to Matthew Biggs by long-time friend Roy Lancaster VMH.

Matthew Biggs VMH said: “I’m totally overwhelmed to have received this award when, in my mind, I’ve just been having fun and learning new things alongside great people. Plants are rather like people, they grow together in beds and borders, supporting and complimenting each other. Who can fail to be inspired by them?”

Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “I first met Matt 40 years ago as a student. To this day I always remember him being so welcoming, a fellow enthusiast to talk about plants. Matt has a natural ability to build connections between people and gardens through his enthusiastic and endearing but always practical guidance.”

Roy Lancaster VMH, added: “Today Matt adds to his list of accolades, the ultimate award. He is a credit to himself and the profession and a star to fans, family and all who love plants. His empathy and ability to understand and connect with all gardeners is a rare quality.”

All RHS People Awards require formal nomination, accompanying statements of support and approval from the RHS Council. Special dispensation was given by the RHS Council for the awarding of the 64th VMH outside of the annual People Awards event.

For more information visit: RHS People Awards / RHSFor more information on the garden at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/mountvernongardenproject