Royal Horticultural Society
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and gardening. Founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, the RHS aims to promote the practice of horticulture and gardening, both for recreational and scientific purposes. The society is involved in education, community gardening, public affairs, and the promotion of gardening excellence through its gardens, flower shows, and publications.
History[edit | edit source]
The RHS was established in 1804 by Sir Joseph Banks and John Wedgwood for the purpose of collecting plant information and encouraging the improvement of horticultural practice. It received its Royal Charter from King William IV in 1831, becoming the "Royal Horticultural Society". The Charter was updated in 1861, under the reign of Queen Victoria, to increase the society's scope in aiding the science, art, and practice of horticulture.
Activities[edit | edit source]
The RHS is active in a wide range of activities that promote horticulture and gardening. These include:
- RHS Gardens: The RHS manages four major gardens in the UK - RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex, and RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon. Each garden showcases a variety of plant collections, innovative design, and gardening techniques.
- RHS Flower Shows: The society organizes several annual flower shows, the most famous being the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Other notable shows include the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, RHS Tatton Park Flower Show, and the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show, which attract visitors from around the world.
- RHS Plant Trials and Awards: The RHS conducts plant trials to assess the performance of different plant varieties and awards the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) to plants that demonstrate particular excellence.
- RHS Libraries: The RHS maintains a comprehensive collection of horticultural literature, including books, journals, and artworks, accessible to researchers and the public.
- RHS Education and Learning: The society offers a range of educational programs, courses, and workshops aimed at promoting gardening skills among people of all ages.
- RHS Community Gardening: Through its community gardening programs, the RHS supports local communities in creating green spaces that enhance the environment and provide social benefits.
Membership[edit | edit source]
Membership in the RHS offers a variety of benefits, including free access to the RHS gardens, subscription to the society's magazine, and discounts on tickets to flower shows. The society has several membership categories, including individual, family, and life memberships.
Impact[edit | edit source]
The RHS has played a significant role in promoting horticultural practices, supporting gardening communities, and contributing to environmental conservation. Its work in plant conservation and the promotion of biodiversity in gardens has been particularly noteworthy.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This organization-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
