BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson and internationally renowned daffodil breeder Ron Scamp were among 19 recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) People Awards.

Anderson was one of six recipients of the Veitch Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the science and practice of horticulture. An acclaimed garden designer, landscape architect, and passionate advocate for sustainable horticulture, Arit’s work spans hospital gardens, community spaces, and major public projects, all with a strong focus on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable materials. Her fellow recipients included Dr Charlotte Allender whose stewardship of the UK Vegetable Genebank has been vital in preserving crop diversity for future generations and Maïté Delmas whose impact spans policy, research, and education, shaping international biodiversity strategies and mentoring future generations of horticulturists.

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.

Recipients of the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH):

• Ron Scamp - internationally renowned for breeding, growing and saving daffodils, his 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 (EMH):

• Sir Nicholas Bacon – former RHS President, a passionate horticulturist, conservationist and leader who has established an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, and a renowned snowdrop collection at his family home, Raveningham Hall and Gardens, Norfolk
• Dr Clare Hermans – alongside a successful career as a GP, Clare 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.

The 2025 People Awards mean that for the first time in living memory 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.

The awards ceremony was held in London at the Lindley Hall on the afternoon of Tuesday 25th March. The annual RHS People Awards celebrate the dedication, achievements, and hard work of individuals in horticulture through eight distinguished honours and are open to everyone to make a nomination. This year’s nominations will open on 1st June 2025. All nominations are assessed by experienced horticulturists from across the industry. The strongest applications are then assessed by the RHS Horticulture and Sustainability Board and the RHS Council.

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.”

For more information on the RHS People Awards and all of this year’s recipients visit:https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-us/our-people/rhs-awards