RHS Plant Committee Annual Awards

Introduced in 2019, the RHS Plant Committee Annual Awards are a way for the different RHS Expert Groups (formerly RHS Plant Committees) to recognise and shine a light on those individuals who are making an outstanding contribution within their plant group, who might not otherwise be covered by the existing RHS People Awards.

These awards will recognise excellence in science, propagation, conservation or literature, journalism or art. There are no restrictions on the nationality of the nominee, whether they are amateur or professional.

The Orchid Expert Group already had an existing award, the Westonbirt Orchid Medal. The remaining six Expert Groups were given the opportunity to acknowledge those unsung heroes who have shared their knowledge, enhanced lives through plants and inspired more people to develop their passion for plants.

About the process

Each Expert Group has selected the name of its award to honour someone who has significantly promoted plants within its remit. Nominations are requested from Group members, and secret ballot voting is carried out. All award winners are sent a certificate and are presented with an engraved glass vase.

RHS Plant Committee Awards

Sir Daniel Hall Award

Daniel Hall was a renowned tulip breeder and author. Daniel was a member of the RHS Narcissus & Tulip Committee for many years and served on the Classification Committee responsible for producing the first lists of tulip names and their classification. Some of his tulip introductions exist today. This award in his name is awarded by the RHS Bulb Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement with bulbs and other related plants.

The 2022 Sir Daniel Hall Award was presented to Johan van Scheepen.

George Lockie Award

George Lockie was one of the great figures in post-war British horticulture. He was a longstanding member of the RHS Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Committee and was awarded the RHS’ Victoria Medal of Honour in 2004, the year before his death. This award is presented by the RHS Fruit, Veg and Herb Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to fruit, vegetables or culinary herbs.

The 2022 George Lockie Award was presented to Jim Chapman.

Alan Bloom Award

The name of Alan Bloom became synonymous with Bressingham, the garden he created by expanding the family nursery in Norfolk. He introduced over 170 new plants during his lifetime. Alan was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour in 1971 and was made MBE in 1997. The Alan Bloom award is presented by the RHS Herbaceous Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to herbaceous perennials and hardy annuals.

The 2022 Alan Bloom Award was presented to Judy Barker.

Jim Archibald Award

After running a nursery for some years, Jim Archibald travelled the world collecting specimens and seeds. His annual seed lists offered a range of unusual and rare plants, and their introductions were always erudite, well informed and witty. This award in his name is presented by the RHS Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to rock garden and alpine plants.

The 2022 Jim Archibald Award was presented to Jon Evans.

Westonbirt Orchid Medal

Provided from a fund presented in 1960 by Mr H G Alexander in commemoration of the collection of orchids made at Westonbirt. The medal is awarded by the RHS Orchid Expert Group to an individual for any scientific, literary, or any other outstanding personal achievement in connection with orchids.

The 2022 Westonbirt Orchid Medal was presented to Dr Clare Hermans.

Maurice Mason Award

Although Maurice Mason was originally a farmer, he came to horticultural prominence for his plant collecting and his glasshouses – at one time he had 18 of them. During the middle years of the 20th century, he was the single most important promoter of the exotic glasshouse collection in Britain. The Maurice Mason Award is presented by the RHS Tender Ornamental Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to ornamental plants generally considered to be tender in the UK.

The 2022 Maurice Mason Award was presented to Doug Jones.

Sir Harold Hillier Award

Harold Hillier’s remarkable collection, the Hillier Arboretum near Romsey, was assembled over many years to bring together the most comprehensive collection of trees, shrubs and hardy plants in the UK. He was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour and later made an honorary fellow, becoming a Vice President of the RHS in 1974. This award is presented by the RHS Woody Expert Group in recognition of significant personal achievement relating to hardy trees and shrubs.

The 2022 Sir Harold Hillier Award was presented to Douglas Harris.

You might also be interested in...

• RHS Expert Groups: Learn more about the work our Expert Groups do in naming and classifying plants into groups
• About the RHS: Find out more about us and our aim to inspire everyone to grow
• RHS People Awards: Recognising outstanding contribution to horticulture and gardening