I am delighted to share the news that nurseryman Paul Rochford has been awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List, writes Gillian Taylor, and was praised for his “outstanding voluntary and charitable contribution to horticulture.
Paul will be known to many of you and this award is a proud moment not only for Paul and Joseph Rochford Gardens but for the wider horticultural industry.
A fifth generation nurseryman, Paul’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to growing, nursery production and the advancement of horticulture. His belief in helping those who are less fortunate and his passion for green spaces are reflected in his extensive charitable work.
Under his direction, Rochfords support projects worldwide, including reforestation work by Tree Aid in Uganda and Pipal Tree in Nepal. Closer to home, the Garden Museum’s Lambeth Green project to transform around five acres into green community space is close to Paul’s heart.
Paul served as a co-founder and trustee of Future Gardeners, now renamed Pathways – an innovative horticultural training organisation designed to help the long-term unemployed and those facing major life challenges.
Helping out
Paul wanted to do something for young people who couldn’t find their way into the horticultural industry. It has been a great success – a high percentage of the students end up in work.
A fellow trustee said: “I have always admired Paul’s selfless and untiring approach in encouraging and supporting people working in our industry, whilst seeking no recognition for doing so. His commitment to those beginning their horticultural journey is inspiring.
“Paul is an outstanding horticulturist . . . and the award of an MBE is so well deserved and true recognition of his outstanding service to horticulture.”
In 2019 Paul was awarded the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association (MPGA) London Spade Award – a prestigious honour given in recognition of his outstanding contribution to open spaces within London and his support of the MPGA’s greening initiatives.
His support for the biennial Red Cross Fair and the Veterans Garden in Guildhall Yard was recognised by the City Livery Club ( CLC). The Root and Branch Awards hosted by the CLC celebrate exceptional contribution and philanthropy within the livery movement and the wider community and in 2022 Paul received a Highly Commended Certificate.
Deserved Recognition
Paul has been chairman of the board of trustees for Perennial since November 2019 and my first contact with him was at a Perennial AGM when we visited York Gate garden.
My observing the roses and discussing their health prompted Paul to invite me to judge at the Rochfords International Rose Trials, an example of his generosity and inclusivity. The trials, established by Paul in 2018 following the closure of the Royal National Rose Society site in St Albans, support and inform rose breeders and growers and promote roses to a new generation.
In typical understated style, Paul told his local newspaper the Welwyn Hatfield Times: “I hope that this is a way to share the things that I find important and that I spend my life doing.”
Following Paul’s recent recognition, Rochfords nursery team said: “We are incredibly proud to share that our director, Paul Rochford, has been awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to horticulture.
“This recognition reflects a lifelong dedication to the industry, a passion for growing and a commitment to supporting and advancing horticulture throughout an outstanding career.”
Hearty congratulations to Paul from all of us at The Landscaper.
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