Royal Horticultural Society

In 2009, more than 363,000 people were members of the society, and the number increased to more than 414,000 in 2013[1] and to 525,105 by 2019.[6] Membership and fellowship of the society were previously decided by election, but are now by financial contribution. Fellowship may be secured through a "suggested" £5,000 donation each year.[7][8]

Members and Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MRHS[9] and FRHS, respectively.[10]

Design greenhouse for Royal Horticultural Society by John Claudius Loudon, 1818

The Royal Horticultural Society's four major gardens in England are: Wisley Garden, near Wisley in Surrey; Rosemoor Garden in Devon; Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The society's first garden was in Kensington, from 1818 to 1822. In 1820 the society leased some of Hugh Ronalds' nursery ground at Little Ealing to set up an experimental garden,[16] but the next year part of the Duke of Devonshire's estate at Chiswick was obtained. In 1823 it employed Joseph Paxton there. From 1827 the society held fêtes at the Chiswick garden, and from 1833, shows with competitive classes for flowers and vegetables. In 1861 the RHS (as it had now become) developed a new garden at South Kensington on land leased from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 (the Science Museum, Imperial College and the Royal College of Music now occupy the site), but it was closed in 1882.[17] The Chiswick garden was maintained until 1903–1904, by which time Sir Thomas Hanbury had bought the garden at Wisley and presented it to the RHS.

RHS Garden Wisley is thus the society's oldest garden. Rosemoor came next, presented by Lady Anne Berry in 1988. Hyde Hall was given to the RHS in 1993 by its owners Dick and Helen Robinson. Dick Robinson was also the owner of the Harry Smith Collection which was based at Hyde Hall. The most recent addition is Harlow Carr, acquired by the merger of the Northern Horticultural Society with the RHS in 2001. It had been the Northern Horticultural Society's trial ground and display garden since they bought it in 1949. In 2013, more than 1.63 million people visited the four gardens.[1]

In 2015, the RHS announced plans for a fifth garden at Worsley New Hall, Greater Manchester, under the name RHS Garden Bridgewater.[18]

London flower show in Lawrence Hall

The RHS is well known for its annual flower shows which take place across the UK. The most famous of these shows is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, visited by people from across world. This is followed by the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show (which the RHS took over in 1993) and RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Cheshire (since 1999).[19]

The most recent addition to the RHS shows line-up is the RHS Show Cardiff, held at Cardiff Castle since 2005.[20] The society is also closely involved with the spring and autumn shows at Malvern, Worcestershire, and with BBC Gardeners' World Live held annually at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.

The RHS is custodian of the Lindley Library, housed within its headquarters at 80 Vincent Square, London, and in branches at each of its four gardens. The library is based upon the book collection of John Lindley.[5]

The RHS Herbarium has its own image library (collection) consisting of more than 3,300 original watercolours, approximately 30,000 colour slides and a rapidly increasing number of digital images. Although most of the images have been supplied by photographers commissioned by the RHS, the archive includes a substantial number of slides from the Harry Smith Collection and Plant Heritage National Plant Collection holders.[21]

The Garden Library at Wisley Garden is open to visitors to the Garden.[22]

In 2002, the RHS took over the administration of the Britain in Bloom competition from the Tidy Britain Group (formerly and subsequently Keep Britain Tidy).[23] In 2010, The society launched 'It's your neighbourhood', a campaign to encourage people to get involved in horticulture for the benefit of their community. In 2014, the 'Britain in Bloom' celebrates its 50th anniversary.[23]

Royal Horticultural Society Libraries at the Senate House History Day, 2019.

The RHS runs formal courses for professional and amateur gardeners and horticulturalists and also validates qualifications gained elsewhere (e.g. at Kew Botanic Gardens).[24]

The RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture aims to develop essential horticultural skills and to provide a foundation for further RHS practical qualifications at Levels 2 and 3. It is aimed at anyone who has an interest in plants and gardening.[24]

Level 2 qualifications provide a basis for entry into professional horticulture, support career development for existing horticultural workers or can provide a foundation for further learning or training. There are separate theoretical- and practical-based qualifications at this Level and the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture combines the theoretical- and practical-based qualifications.[24][3]

Level 3 qualifications allow specialisation in the candidate's area of interest. They can offer proficiency for those looking for employment in horticulture, they can support further career and professional development for those already working in the field, or they can provide a basis for continued learning or training. As for Level 2, there are theoretical- and practical-based qualifications at Level 3 and a Diploma that combines both.[24]

The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is the society's most prestigious professional horticultural qualification. It is of degree level and it is intended for horticultural professionals. The course allows for flexible study over a period of three years or more.[24]

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening provides online inspiration, resources and advice to its members. With the help of teachers, volunteers and other school-gardening champions, they support millions of students in the UK, giving them the opportunity to grow plants, food and develop life skills.[1]

Horticultural Society of London (1804–1861)

• 1811–1838 : Thomas Andrew Knight (1st President)
• 1838–1858 : William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire
• 1858–1861 : Albert, Prince Consort[30]

Royal Horticultural Society (1861-)

• 1862–1883 : Duke of Buccleuch [31]
• 1884–1885 : Sir Benjamin Thomas Brandreth-Gibbs
• 1885–1913 : Sir Trevor Lawrence[32]
• 1913–1919 : Francis Grenfell, 1st Baron Grenfell[33]
• 1919–1928 : Amelius Lockwood, 1st Baron Lambourne [34]
• 1928–1931 : Gerald Loder, 1st Baron Wakehurst [35](11th President)
• 1931–1953 : Henry McLaren, 2nd Baron Aberconway [36]
• 1953–1961 : Sir David Bowes-Lyon [37]
• 1961–1984 : Charles McLaren, 3rd Baron Aberconway [38]
• 1984–1994 : Robin A.E. Herbert [39]
• 1994–2001 : Sir Simon Hornby [40]
• 2001–2006 : Sir Richard Carew-Pole [41]
• 2006–2008 : Peter N. Buckley [42]
• 2009–2010 : Giles Coode-Adams [43]
• 2010–2013 : Elizabeth Banks [44]
• 2013–2020 : Sir Nicholas Bacon, Bt
• 2020–present : Keith Weed [45]

• Arlow Stout, a pioneer in the hybridization of daylilies, honorary life fellow of RHS
• Lindley Hall, exhibition hall owned by the RHS and located next to their head office in London
• Robert Allen Rolfe, the founder of the magazine The Orchid Review

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