People

Gardening Pioneer Linda Phillips Wins Top RHS Honour

Good News Post

Mar 27, 2026 — 2 min read

Linda Phillips VMH - Image supplied Pressat

By Community Correspondent

Linda Phillips, founder of the award-winning charity Roots and Shoots, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) in London this week.

The VMH is the highest accolade in UK horticulture, reserved for just 63 people at a time — reflecting Queen Victoria’s 63-year reign.

Linda, from a family of gardeners, began her career as a Royal Parks apprentice at Hampton Court Palace at just 18, at a time when very few women worked in horticulture.

Inspired by the inclusive gardens she worked in, she founded Roots and Shoots in 1982 to help young people with complex special educational needs and disabilities learn practical life and work skills through gardening.

Over the past 44 years, Linda has transformed a derelict brownfield site in Kennington into a thriving community garden, Walnut Tree Walk.

*Roots and Shoots - Image supplied Pressat*

Students and volunteers gain qualifications and hands-on experience, while the site provides a green oasis and first-time nature experiences for countless Londoners.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Victoria Medal of Honour,” said Linda. “Roots and Shoots gives people from every background a new perspective and a place to grow. Sharing my love of the natural world has been the joy of my life.”

Linda’s work has previously earned Chelsea Gold and Silver Gilt Medals, an RHS Associate of Honour, and an MBE in 2012 for services to young people.

DON'T MISS:

Her tireless dedication has cultivated not just beautiful gardens, but opportunities, inclusion, and hope for thousands in the heart of London.

Just email us at news@goodnewspost.co.uk.

Whether it's a local hero, an act of kindness, or a personal win, your story could help spread joy and improve someone’s mental health.

Let’s make the world a little brighter, one good news story at a time.

Daylight Boosts Better Sleep! Scientists Reveal Simple Daily Fix

By Health Correspondent Struggling to sleep? The answer could be as simple as getting more light during the day. Scientists at the University of Leicester have uncovered new evidence showing that light plays a key role in helping the body sleep properly — and it all starts with the eyes. In

School Dinners Revolution! Clevedon Students Serve Up Greener, Tastier Meals

By Schools Correspondent Students at Clevedon School are proving school dinners don’t have to be boring — and they’re helping the planet at the same time. Working closely with catering partner Chartwells, pupils have helped transform the menu by pushing for locally sourced food, cutting food miles and supporting

Baking up a storm! TKASA community raises £750 at annual Bake Off (By Evan,13 and Isabeau,13)

By Evan,13 and Isabeau,13, Good News Room at TKASA On Saturday 21st March, TKASA welcomed students, families and members of the community for the third annual House Bake Off and Macmillan Coffee Morning. The event was led by Mr Paul Shepherd, who went above and beyond to ensure

Year 6 Pupils Shine in Glass Workshop Ahead of Festival

By Schools Correspondent Year 6 pupils at Mary Elton Primary School took part in an engaging glassmaking workshop last week, producing creative pieces set to be displayed at the upcoming Green Shift Festival. The session began with an introduction to this year’s festival theme, “Threads, Webs and Wonder”, which