Lawrie Metcalf was one of New Zealand's most highly regarded horticulturists and was awarded many national and international honours, including the Loder Cup and the Royal Society's Gold Veitch Memorial Medal for services to horticulture. He's the author of numerous books, including A Photographic Guide to Ferns, A Photographic Guide to Alpine Plants, as well as Know your New Zealand Trees and Know your New Zealand Native Plants.