The Horticultural Trades Association has awarded renowned plantsman, author and broadcaster Roy Lancaster CBE the 2026 Pearson Memorial Medal for his outstanding contribution to horticulture and the UK garden industry.

In a career spanning more than seven decades, Roy has inspired generations of horticulturists and gardeners through his extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling and lifelong passion for plants. A natural teacher and communicator, he has made plant identification memorable and accessible by connecting plants with the people, places and stories behind them. He is widely known for his work on BBC Gardeners' World and spent years as a beloved, long-serving panellist on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners' Question Time.

As a writer and author, Roy’s work compiling and revising editions of the ‘Hillier Manual of Trees and Shrubs’ has had a lasting influence on the industry. The manual – now in its ninth edition – remains an essential reference for trees and shrubs and is still widely used by horticultural professionals. Roy has also written numerous highly regarded books, including ‘What Plant Where’, a practical reference used by garden retailers and designers, and ‘Travels in China’, which combines accounts of significant plant discoveries with observations about local culture.

Throughout his career, Roy has shared his expertise with people of all ages and abilities. Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2014 for services to horticulture, his infectious enthusiasm extends beyond trees and plants to fungi and birds, and at the age of 88, he continues to mentor others in the industry today.

Alan Down, HTA Past President and Board member, commented: “Roy is a natural teacher and a great communicator. You can’t help but soak up his enthusiasm. I have a copy of his magnificent 'Travels in China' book, which is full of memorable plant discoveries and cultural anecdotes. One that stands out in my mind is when he saw a strange, shaggy bush moving in the Chinese hills, only to notice a pair of feet sticking out from the bottom. As he got closer, he discovered that the locals had stitched the leaf bases of the Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) to make an improvised raincoat.

“I never fail to remember this story whenever I come across this plant in gardens, nurseries and garden centres. This is typical of Roy's gift for storytelling, which helped so many remember and identify plants and sparked a passion for plants in so many - myself included.”

Roy Lancaster CBE said: “I’m really moved by this. Only recently, I've been looking up plants and looking back at some of the things that I've written or said about plants, the adventures I've had, and most of all the wonderful people I've met. I have made some of the best friends I could ever have wished for.

“Tonight is such a wonderful occasion. I've come alive. I only have to get amongst plant people, and I feel joyous. I'm with people who really matter.”

The HTA first presented the Pearson Memorial Medal in 1930, in memory of the Association’s first General Secretary, Charles Pearson. The prestigious award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the garden industry and is awarded annually.

Jane Lawler, President of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: “The standard of nominees for this year’s Pearson Memorial Medal was exceptionally high, reflecting the dedication and outstanding contributions of those currently working in horticulture. Because there can only be one winner, the HTA board agreed that this year Roy’s seven decades of incredible service deserved to be acknowledged and celebrated.

“This prestigious award is one of the highest honours to be bestowed on someone in the industry, and it’s a privilege to pay tribute to the influential people in our sector. Since its inception in 1930, there have been more than 85 recipients of the Pearson Memorial Medal, all with expertise in their field and who have gone above and beyond.”

For more information about the award and its past winners, visit: hta.org.uk/events/pearson-memorial-medal