Garden industry expert Andy McIndoe was recently presented the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society, one of the highest accolades in the world of horticulture.

Mr McIndoe, former MD of Hillier Nurseries and designer of 25 Gold medal-winning gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, was presented with the award at the RHS Awards ceremony in London last week (February 22). RHS president Sir Nicholas Bacon presented the award in recognition of Mr McIndoe's “outstanding contribution to the advancement of the practice of horticulture.”

Said Mr McIndoe, “I am overwhelmed and delighted to be awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the RHS. During the past 40 years, I have had so much pleasure sharing my love of plants and gardens with new and experience gardeners alike. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to help others on their career path in this wonderful industry and to encourage those that enjoy gardening as a pastime. The RHS is an amazing organisation which brings us all together, and I am honoured to be part of it.”

Mr McIndoe studied horticulture at Bath University before joining Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres back in 1978, working his way up from garden centre manager to be the first managing director outside of the Hillier family. As well as designing 25 gold winning RHS Chelsea gardens, he has lectured worldwide, written nine gardening books and contributed to countless gardening broadcasts and publications.

Now aged 60, Mr McIndoe runs a thriving business as a garden designer, book author, radio presenter, garden writer and horticultural consultant, as well as giving gardening courses, lectures and tours Europe-wide. He is also a trustee of industry charity Greenfingers.