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The Royal Horticultural Society, the UK's leading gardening charity, was originally known as the Horticultural Society of London and was founded in the early 19th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Royal Horticultural Society was founded on March 7, 1804, under the original name of the Horticultural Society of London.
John Wedgwood, son of Josiah Wedgwood, first proposed the creation of a British horticultural society in 1800 with aims to publish discussions and award prizes.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that John Wedgwood suggested the creation of the society in 1800, with the initial aims of holding meetings for discussions, publishing results, and awarding prizes.
The inaugural meeting of the Horticultural Society of London occurred in 1804 at a bookshop in Piccadilly, London, with seven founding members present.
Answer: True
Explanation: The first meeting took place on March 7, 1804, at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London, with seven founding members in attendance.
Thomas Andrew Knight, the first President of the Horticultural Society of London, focused solely on expanding the society's membership.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas Andrew Knight expanded the society's aims to include a program of practical research, particularly in the area of fruit-breeding.
William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, served as President of the Horticultural Society of London for twenty years.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, was President of the society from 1838 to 1858, a tenure of twenty years.
Identify the full name and common abbreviation for the United Kingdom's principal gardening charity.
Answer: Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Explanation: The source identifies the UK's leading gardening charity as the Royal Horticultural Society, commonly abbreviated as RHS.
In what year was the Royal Horticultural Society founded, and what was its original name?
Answer: March 7, 1804, as the Horticultural Society of London
Explanation: The society was founded on March 7, 1804, and was originally known as the Horticultural Society of London.
Who first suggested the creation of a British horticultural society in 1800?
Answer: John Wedgwood
Explanation: The creation of a British horticultural society was first suggested in 1800 by John Wedgwood, son of Josiah Wedgwood.
What were John Wedgwood's initial aims for the proposed horticultural society?
Answer: To hold meetings for discussions, publish results, and award prizes.
Explanation: John Wedgwood's initial aims for the society were to hold meetings for discussions, publish the results, and award prizes for gardening achievements.
Where did the first meeting of the Horticultural Society of London take place?
Answer: Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London
Explanation: The inaugural meeting of the Horticultural Society of London was held on March 7, 1804, at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London.
Who was the first President of the Horticultural Society of London, and what was his key contribution?
Answer: Thomas Andrew Knight; expanding aims to include practical research into fruit-breeding.
Explanation: Thomas Andrew Knight served as the first President and expanded the society's aims to include a program of practical research, particularly into fruit-breeding.
Who served as the President of the Horticultural Society of London from 1838 to 1858?
Answer: William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire
Explanation: William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, held the presidency of the Horticultural Society of London for a twenty-year period from 1838 to 1858.
As of 2023, the President of the Royal Horticultural Society was Sir Nicholas Bacon, Bt.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that as of 2023, the President was Keith Weed. Sir Nicholas Bacon, Bt, served as President from 2013 to 2020.
Membership and fellowship in the Royal Horticultural Society are still primarily decided by election, as they were historically.
Answer: False
Explanation: While historically determined by election, membership and fellowship are now determined by financial contribution.
Members of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FRHS, while Fellows use MRHS.
Answer: False
Explanation: The opposite is true; Members are entitled to use MRHS, and Fellows are entitled to use FRHS.
The RHS membership saw a decline between 2009 and 2019, dropping below 350,000.
Answer: False
Explanation: Membership showed consistent growth during this period, increasing from over 363,000 in 2009 to over 525,000 by 2019.
Clare Matterson CBE was the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society as of 2023.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that as of 2023, the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society was Clare Matterson CBE.
What was the membership count of the Royal Horticultural Society in 2013?
Answer: Exactly 414,699 people
Explanation: The source states that in 2013, the Royal Horticultural Society had a membership of 414,699 people.
Who was the President of the Royal Horticultural Society as of 2023?
Answer: Keith Weed
Explanation: The source indicates that as of 2023, the President of the Royal Horticultural Society was Keith Weed.
How is membership and fellowship of the Royal Horticultural Society primarily determined today?
Answer: By financial contribution.
Explanation: Unlike in the past when it was by election, membership and fellowship are now determined by financial contribution.
What are the post-nominal letters for a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society?
Answer: FRHS
Explanation: Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the post-nominal letters FRHS.
What was the approximate membership of the RHS in the financial year 2022/23?
Answer: 625,000
Explanation: The source states that the approximate membership of the RHS in the 2022/23 financial year was 625,000.
What was the income budget of the Royal Horticultural Society for the 2013/14 financial year?
Answer: £71.94 million
Explanation: The budget for the RHS in the 2013/14 financial year indicated an income of £71.94 million.
What was the membership trend of the RHS between 2009 and 2019?
Answer: A consistent increase, growing from over 363,000 to over 525,000.
Explanation: The membership of the RHS showed a consistent increase over this decade, growing from over 363,000 in 2009 to more than 525,000 by 2019.
Who was the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society as of 2023?
Answer: Clare Matterson CBE
Explanation: As of 2023, the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society was Clare Matterson CBE.
The RHS operates six major gardens across England, including Wisley and Harlow Carr.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that the Royal Horticultural Society operates five major gardens in England.
The Royal Horticultural Society's first garden, established in Kensington, operated for only four years.
Answer: True
Explanation: The society's first garden was located in Kensington and was operational from 1818 to 1822, a period of four years.
Joseph Paxton was employed at the RHS's Chiswick garden, which was leased from the Duke of Devonshire's estate.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Joseph Paxton was employed at the Chiswick garden, which the society leased from the Duke of Devonshire's estate.
RHS Garden Bridgewater opened to the public in May 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: RHS Garden Bridgewater opened to the public in May 2021.
The Chelsea Flower Show is the only annual flower show organized by the RHS.
Answer: False
Explanation: The RHS organizes several flower shows, including the famous Chelsea Flower Show, as well as others like the Malvern Spring Festival and the RHS Urban Show.
The Royal Horticultural Society took over the Britain in Bloom competition from Keep Britain Tidy in 2002.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the RHS assumed administration of the Britain in Bloom competition in 2002 from the Tidy Britain Group (Keep Britain Tidy).
Harlow Carr became an RHS garden in 2001 through a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the RHS acquired Harlow Carr in 2001 via a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society.
In 2013, over 1.63 million people visited the five RHS gardens.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that in 2013, over 1.63 million people visited the four RHS gardens that were open at the time.
The Harry Smith Collection was integrated into the RHS's resources when Hyde Hall was given to the society in 1993.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates the Harry Smith Collection was based at Hyde Hall and was integrated into the RHS when the garden was given to the society.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five major gardens operated by the Royal Horticultural Society in England?
Answer: Kew Botanic Gardens
Explanation: The five major RHS gardens are Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall, Harlow Carr, and Bridgewater. Kew Botanic Gardens is a separate entity.
When did RHS Garden Bridgewater open to the public?
Answer: May 2021
Explanation: The fifth RHS garden, RHS Garden Bridgewater, opened to the public in May 2021.
What is the most famous annual flower show organized by the RHS?
Answer: Chelsea Flower Show
Explanation: The source identifies the Chelsea Flower Show as the most famous annual flower show organized by the RHS, attracting global visitors.
Which of these flower shows was added to the RHS lineup in 2024?
Answer: The Malvern Spring Festival
Explanation: In 2024, the RHS expanded its lineup of shows to include the Malvern Spring Festival.
In what year did the Royal Horticultural Society take over the administration of the Britain in Bloom competition?
Answer: 2002
Explanation: The Royal Horticultural Society assumed administration of the Britain in Bloom competition in 2002.
What was the total number of visitors to the RHS gardens in 2013?
Answer: More than 1.63 million
Explanation: In 2013, more than 1.63 million people visited the four RHS gardens that were open to the public at the time.
What is the significance of the Harry Smith Collection in relation to RHS gardens?
Answer: It was a collection based at Hyde Hall, integrated when the garden was given to the RHS.
Explanation: The Harry Smith Collection was based at Hyde Hall and was integrated into the RHS's resources when the garden was donated to the society in 1993.
Which of the following historical RHS gardens employed the notable gardener Joseph Paxton?
Answer: Chiswick Garden
Explanation: Joseph Paxton was employed by the RHS at their Chiswick garden, which was leased from the Duke of Devonshire's estate.
How did the RHS acquire its flagship Wisley Garden?
Answer: Sir Thomas Hanbury bought it and presented it to the society.
Explanation: Wisley Garden was acquired when Sir Thomas Hanbury purchased the garden and presented it as a gift to the society around 1903-1904.
Which garden was acquired by the RHS through a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society?
Answer: Harlow Carr
Explanation: Harlow Carr was acquired by the RHS in 2001 as a result of a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society.
The Lindley Library, the main library of the RHS, is located at its headquarters in London.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Lindley Library is the main library of the RHS and is housed within its London headquarters.
The RHS Herbarium's image library primarily consists of digital images, with a small collection of historical watercolours.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image library's core collection consists of over 3,300 original watercolours and approximately 30,000 color slides, supplemented by a growing number of digital images.
The RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture is designed exclusively for professional gardeners seeking advanced qualifications.
Answer: False
Explanation: This award is a foundational qualification targeting anyone interested in plants and gardening, not exclusively advanced professionals.
The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is the society's most prestigious professional qualification, equivalent to a degree.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is described as the society's most prestigious professional qualification, being equivalent to a degree level.
The RHS's main journal has been consistently titled 'The Garden' since its inception in 1807.
Answer: False
Explanation: The journal has had several titles throughout its history, including 'Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London' and 'Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society', before being titled 'The Garden' in 1975.
The 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' was published by the RHS in 2012.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' is a publication of the RHS and was published in 2012.
The annual publication 'Hanburyana' focuses on horticultural taxonomy and has been published by the RHS since 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that 'Hanburyana' is an annual RHS publication dedicated to horticultural taxonomy, published since 2006.
The RHS only runs its own formal courses and does not validate horticultural qualifications gained elsewhere.
Answer: False
Explanation: In addition to running its own courses, the RHS also validates qualifications gained at other institutions, such as Kew Botanic Gardens.
The 'RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture' is a theoretical qualification only.
Answer: False
Explanation: This diploma combines both theoretical and practical qualifications, providing a foundation for entry into professional horticulture.
The Lindley Hall is an exhibition hall owned by the RHS, located adjacent to its head office in London.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Lindley Hall is an exhibition hall owned by the RHS and is located next to its London headquarters.
What is the name of the main library housed within the RHS headquarters?
Answer: The Lindley Library
Explanation: The main library located at the RHS headquarters in London is known as the Lindley Library.
What is the purpose of the RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture?
Answer: To develop essential horticultural skills and provide a foundation for further qualifications.
Explanation: The RHS Level 1 Award is designed to develop essential horticultural skills and serve as a foundation for further practical qualifications.
The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is academically equivalent to what level of qualification?
Answer: A degree level qualification
Explanation: The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is the society's most prestigious professional qualification and is equivalent to a degree level.
Which of the following was the title of the RHS's main journal from 1866 to 1975?
Answer: Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society
Explanation: From 1866 to 1975, the main journal of the society was titled the 'Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society'.
In what year was the 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' published by the RHS?
Answer: 2012
Explanation: The 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' was published by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2012.
What is the primary focus of the annual RHS publication 'Hanburyana'?
Answer: Horticultural taxonomy
Explanation: The annual publication 'Hanburyana' is dedicated to horticultural taxonomy, the science of classifying plants.
What is the name of the exhibition hall owned by the RHS next to its head office in London?
Answer: Lindley Hall
Explanation: The exhibition hall owned by the RHS and located adjacent to its London head office is named Lindley Hall.
What forms of visual media are part of the RHS Herbarium's image library?
Answer: Primarily original watercolours and color slides, with growing digital images.
Explanation: The RHS Herbarium's image library consists of a large collection of original watercolours and color slides, which is being supplemented by a growing number of digital images.
What is the role of the RHS in validating horticultural qualifications from other institutions?
Answer: It validates qualifications gained elsewhere, such as at Kew Botanic Gardens.
Explanation: In addition to offering its own formal courses, the RHS also validates horticultural qualifications that are gained at other institutions.
The Victoria Medal of Honour can be held by a maximum of 70 individuals at any given time, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Victoria Medal of Honour is limited to 63 holders, commemorating the years of Queen Victoria's reign. The Elizabeth Medal of Honour is limited to 70 holders.
The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is the principal award given to garden plants by the RHS, following assessment and trials.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source identifies the Award of Garden Merit (AGM) as the principal award for garden plants, granted after a period of assessment and trials.
Since 1955, the RHS has been the International Registration Authority for ten categories of cultivated plants, including roses and camellias.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states the RHS is the International Registration Authority for nine categories of plants, which include daffodils and orchids, but not roses or camellias.
The RHS awards only Gold and Silver medals to exhibitors at its Flower Shows.
Answer: False
Explanation: The society awards four types of medals to exhibitors at its shows: Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver, and Bronze.
The 'International Orchid Register' is a listing of orchid hybrids published by the RHS, which serves as the International Registration Authority for orchids.
Answer: True
Explanation: The RHS acts as the International Registration Authority for orchids and publishes the 'International Orchid Register,' an extensive list of orchid hybrids.
The Preliminary Certificate (PC) and First Class Certificate (FCC) are historical plant awards that are still actively referenced on RHS websites as of 2014.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that older awards like the Preliminary Certificate (PC) and First Class Certificate (FCC) were not referred to on current RHS websites as of 2014.
The Veitch Memorial Medal is awarded exclusively to British individuals for contributions to horticulture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Veitch Memorial Medal is awarded annually to individuals of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to horticulture.
The Harlow Carr Medal is awarded for significant contributions to horticulture specifically in the north of England.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Harlow Carr Medal is awarded for significant horticultural contributions specifically within the north of England.
The Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded for introducing new hybrid plants developed from existing garden plants.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded for the introduction of new hybrid plants that have been developed from existing garden plants.
The Community Award is given by the RHS for short-term projects that benefit local communities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The RHS Community Award is given for long-term contributions to community gardening, not short-term projects.
The Roy Lancaster Award recognizes exceptional contributions by individuals over 35 years old.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Roy Lancaster Award is specifically for individuals under 35 years old who have made exceptional contributions to horticulture.
How many living holders can the Victoria Medal of Honour have at any given time?
Answer: 63
Explanation: The number of holders of the Victoria Medal of Honour is limited to 63 at any one time, commemorating the 63 years of Queen Victoria's reign.
In what year was the Elizabeth Medal of Honour introduced by the RHS?
Answer: 2023
Explanation: The Elizabeth Medal of Honour was introduced by the society in 2023, with a limit of 70 holders to commemorate each year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
What is the principal award given to garden plants by the Royal Horticultural Society?
Answer: Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
Explanation: The principal award given to garden plants by the RHS is the Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
For which of the following categories of cultivated plants does the RHS act as the International Registration Authority?
Answer: Orchids
Explanation: The RHS acts as the International Registration Authority for nine categories of plants, one of which is orchids.
What types of medals does the society award to exhibitors at its Flower Shows?
Answer: Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver, and Bronze medals
Explanation: The RHS awards four levels of medals to exhibitors at its shows: Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver, and Bronze.
For what achievement is the 'Harlow Carr Medal' awarded?
Answer: Significant contributions to horticulture specifically in the north of England.
Explanation: The Harlow Carr Medal is awarded for significant contributions to the field of horticulture specifically in the north of England.
For what achievement is the 'Reginald Cory Memorial Cup' awarded?
Answer: Introducing new hybrid plants developed from existing garden plants.
Explanation: The Reginald Cory Memorial Cup is awarded to recognize the introduction of new hybrid plants that have been developed from existing garden plants.
For what achievement is the 'Community Award' given by the RHS?
Answer: Long-term contributions to community gardening.
Explanation: The RHS Community Award is specifically given to recognize long-term contributions made to community gardening.
Who is eligible for the 'Roy Lancaster Award'?
Answer: Individuals under 35 years old with exceptional contributions.
Explanation: The Roy Lancaster Award is given to recognize exceptional contributions to horticulture by individuals who are under 35 years old.
What is the 'International Orchid Register' published by the RHS?
Answer: An extensive listing of orchid hybrids.
Explanation: As the International Registration Authority for orchids, the RHS publishes the 'International Orchid Register,' which is an extensive listing of orchid hybrids.
Which of the following older plant awards was no longer referenced in current RHS websites as of 2014?
Answer: Preliminary Certificate (PC)
Explanation: The source indicates that older awards such as the Preliminary Certificate (PC) were not referred to on current RHS websites as of 2014.
The primary objective of the Royal Horticultural Society is limited to organizing the Chelsea Flower Show and managing its five major gardens.
Answer: False
Explanation: While managing gardens and shows is a key function, the society's primary purpose is the broader promotion of gardening and horticulture, which includes community schemes and extensive educational programs.
The 'It's your neighbourhood' campaign, launched in 2010, aims to encourage individual home gardening for personal enjoyment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'It's your neighbourhood' campaign was launched to encourage people to engage in horticulture for the benefit of their local community, not just for individual enjoyment.
The RHS Campaign for School Gardening provides resources to support millions of UK students in developing gardening and life skills.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the RHS Campaign for School Gardening supports millions of students in the UK by providing resources to help them grow plants and develop life skills.
Which of the following is NOT a primary method the RHS uses to promote horticulture?
Answer: Selling gardening tools and equipment exclusively
Explanation: The RHS promotes horticulture through its gardens, shows, and educational programs. While it may engage in commerce, its primary promotional methods are not exclusive retail sales.