The MPGA's LONDON SPADE AWARD is made annually at the Association's AGM. It was first awarded in 1970, since when it has been given to a range of very worthy recipients.
Here are the winners of the London Spade Award since its inception:
- 2021 David Shreeve of Conservation Foundation for his outstanding contribution to UK wide conservation.
- 2020 In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the LONDON SPADE AWARD, the award was presented to two worthy recipients:
Deptford Folk, led by Trina Lynskey, for the improvement, preservation and protection of Deptford's Parks
Tony Leach for his outstanding contribution to London's green spaces - 2019 Paul Rochford for his support of the MPGA and London's green spaces
- 2018 Garden Museum for their successful redevelopment
- 2017 Taylors Bulbs of Holbeach for their generosity and continuing support of the Bulbs for London initiative
- 2016 Flowers in the City
- 2015 Bankside Open Spaces Trust for their work in maintaining and improving North Southwark's green spaces.
- 2014 Anne Holman of London in Bloom for her great services to London's open spaces.
- 2013 Rookery Centenary Committee, to celebrate 2013 centenary and restoration of Rookery Garden in Streatham
- 2012 Joyce Bellamy MBE for her contribution to London's open spaces and 25 years as Secretary of the MPGA.
- 2011 Roots and Shoots for excellence in the provision of horticultural and environmental education.
- 2010 Kenwyn Pearson FIHortDipHortKew for his outstanding services to horticulture and horticultural training.
- 2009 Roger Payton for his outstanding contribution to the MPGA for over 20 years, inc. 17 years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees
- 2008 The University of London for the renovation of Gordon and Woburn Squares and extension of access to the public
- 2007 The Honourable Societies of the Inner and Middle Temple for their efforts in enhancing their gardens and increasing accessibility
- 2006 London Borough of Lewisham with the Telegraph Hill Association for the restoration of Telegraph Hill, Lewisham
- 2005 London Borough of Lambeth and the Streatham Society for the restoration of Streatham Green
- 2004 London Borough of Hillingdon for the creation of Lake Farm Urban Country Park from derelict land
- 2003 Kings College Maughan Library Garden, City of London, for creation of Contemplative Garden
- 2002 David Jones OBE in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the City of London parks and gardens
- 2001 Transport for London Street Management, for tree planting along London's Red Routes
- 2000 Christchurch Garden, Blackfriars Road, Southwark for restoration led by Bankside Restoration Trust
- 1999 London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for creating Eastbrookend Country Park and the Millennium Centre
- 1998 J Buttress for outstanding services to the beautification of London
- 1997 The Peabody Trust for the courtyard garden at The Gateway rehabilitation centre
- 1996 London Borough of Hackney with Albion Sq Residents Assoc for the restoration of Albion Square garden
- 1995 London Borough of Croydon for creation of Croydon Crematorium water garden
- 1994 Jenny Crossland for safeguarding the future of London in Bloom
- 1993 The Geffrye Museum for walled herb garden
- 1992 London Borough of Lambeth for restoration of Rush Common
- 1991 London Borough of Tower Hamlets for creation of Ravenscroft Park, Bethnal Green
- 1990 London Borough of Croydon for creation of South Norwood Country Park from derelict sewage farm
- 1989 E M Upward for his work as MPGA Secretary 1965-87
- 1988 Project led by Mrs Runcie for the revival of Lambeth Palace garden and grounds
- 1987 Siddeley Landscapes for restoration/redesign of burial ground at Wesley's Chapel
- 1986 New River Company for their gardens at the Angel, Islington
- 1984 Royal Parks for their restoration work at St James's Park
- 1983 Greycoat City Offices and Standard Life Assurance for the construction of Cutlers Gardens
- 1978 Jack Kennedy for his work as Chief Officer of the GLC parks Dept
- 1977 The London Borough of Newham for the Densham Road Open Space
- 1976 J R Hare for his work as Bailiff of the Royal Parks
- 1975 John Mowlem & Co Ltd for restoring the setting of St Paul's Cathedral
- 1974 David Cook for his work at the GLC Parks Dept
- 1973 Worshipful Company of Gardeners for Church Gardens Comp and floral award scheme in the City
- 1972 H A Guirer (Superintendent of Newham Parks Dept) for his initiative in securing a major derelict site in E15 for public park
- 1971 The Church Commissioners for their Hyde Park Estate gardens
- 1970 Church of St John the Evangelist East Dulwich SE15 for the excellent standard of the Church Garden