World renowned garden-designer Piet Oudolf, Baroness Janet Fookes DBE and environmental champion Judy Ling Wong CBE have been announced as the first recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
You may also like:
Talking Gardens podcast with Piet Oudolf
Today at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the first recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour were presented with the accolade by King Charles III and Queen Camilla to recognise their commitment to championing horticulture. The awards were presented in the Garden of Royal Reflection and Celebration, which features some of the late Queen Elizabeth's favourite plants as well as those favoured by His Majesty The King.
- Chelsea Flower Show Main Show Gardens 2023: the full list
- Chelsea Flower Show 2023: Sanctuary Gardens
- All About Plants at Chelsea 2023: Full list
- Chelsea Flower Show 2023: Balcony Gardens full list
The Elizabeth Medal of Honour is for those who have made a significant impact on the advancement of science, art or practice of horticulture for the benefit of all generations and the environment and will be confined to 70 recipients at any one time, in honour of Queen Elizabeth's 70-year reign.
Head to our Chelsea Flower Show hub page for all the latest coverage
RHS President Keith Weed said: "The Royal Horticultural Society was extremely fortunate to have Her Majesty as our Patron throughout her reign. This award celebrates both Her Majesty's glorious reign and the work she did to raise the profile of UK horticulture both national and internationally."
The first recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour
The Right Honourable Baroness Fookes DBE has long been a leading voice in Parliament on the importance of horticulture for its role in supporting healthy lives and communities, sustainable landscapes, and protecting the environment against pollution and climate change alongside its significance for the economy. Baroness Fookes is a passionate supporter of horticulture, calling on Government for greater support to unlock the immense benefits it brings for society, young people and the environment.
Piet Oudolf is one of the world’s most renowned garden designers, creating sustainable and naturalistic schemes displaying nature and focusing on the seasonal life cycle of plants which are chosen for their shape and texture rather than just their blooms. He encourages gardeners to embrace the beauty of all seasons and has inspired millions away from the traditional and prescribed design of western gardens.
Judy Ling Wong CBE is an environmental activist and a strong advocate of greening poor quality urban spaces. She is internationally recognised as a pioneer in the field of ethnic participation in the built and natural environment, primarily through her role as Founder and Director of the Black Environment Network for 27 years, where she is now Honorary President. She champions planting for wildlife to increase biodiversity and works to enable all to have access to nature and equality of opportunity to environmental participation, especially in the urban environment.
Congratulations to all of the recipients!
