Royal Horticultural Society holds award ceremony

While many garden and greenhouse enthusiasts enter into Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) courses for their love of plants, some may be aware of the potential rewards for doing so.

The organisation recently held its annual awards ceremony, recognising growers who have shown outstanding endeavour or skill in the world of horticulture.

One such prize-winner is Bristols David Thomas, who gave up a career in dentistry to pursue his love of botany.

The grower was awarded the Centenary Prize for attaining the highest overall score for the academic year in the RHS level two Certificate in Horticulture.

Another honouree was Edinburgh-based Matthew Elliot, who travelled to the Canary Islands as part of his report into the conservation of Juniperus cedrus.

The Scot won the Bursary Advisor Committee Prize of £500 for his efforts – a year after scooping the £1,000 RHS Coke Trust bursary award to help him conduct his research.

Meanwhile, soprano singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is set to appear at the RHS Garden Wisley Music Festival this coming June.