What is the full name and abbreviation of the UK's leading gardening charity?

The UK's leading gardening charity is the Royal Horticultural Society, commonly abbreviated as RHS.

When was the Royal Horticultural Society founded, and what was its original name?

The Royal Horticultural Society was founded on March 7, 1804, and was originally known as the Horticultural Society of London.

What is the primary purpose of the Royal Horticultural Society?

The primary purpose of the Royal Horticultural Society is to promote gardening and horticulture.

Where is the headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society located?

The headquarters of the Royal Horticultural Society is located in London, specifically in the SW1 postcode area.

What was the membership count of the Royal Horticultural Society in 2013?

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?

As of 2023, the President of the Royal Horticultural Society was Keith Weed.

What was the income budget of the Royal Horticultural Society for the 2013/14 financial year?

The budget for the Royal Horticultural Society in the 2013/14 financial year showed an income of £71.94 million.

What are the main ways the RHS promotes horticulture?

The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens, various flower shows including the Chelsea Flower Show, community gardening schemes like Britain in Bloom, and a vast educational program. It also supports training for both professional and amateur gardeners.

Who suggested the creation of a British horticultural society in 1800?

The creation of a British horticultural society was suggested by John Wedgwood, who was the son of Josiah Wedgwood, in 1800.

What were John Wedgwood's initial aims for the horticultural society?

John Wedgwood's initial aims for the society were to hold regular meetings for members to present and discuss papers on horticultural activities and discoveries, to publish the results of these discussions, and to award prizes for gardening achievements.

When and where did the first meeting of the Horticultural Society of London take place?

The first meeting of the Horticultural Society of London took place on March 7, 1804, at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London.

Who were the seven founding members present at the first meeting of the Horticultural Society of London?

The seven founding members present at the first meeting were John Wedgwood (chairman), William Townsend Aiton, Sir Joseph Banks, James Dickson, William Forsyth, Charles Francis Greville, and Richard Anthony Salisbury (who became the Secretary).

Who was the first President of the Horticultural Society of London and what was his contribution?

Thomas Andrew Knight was the first President of the Horticultural Society of London, serving from 1811 to 1838. He expanded the society's aims to include a program of practical research, particularly into fruit-breeding.

How has the method of becoming a member or fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society changed over time?

Previously, membership and fellowship of the society were decided by election. However, they are now determined by financial contribution, with Fellows contributing a suggested £5,000 per annum as of 2022.

What post-nominal letters are members and fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society entitled to use?

Members of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MRHS, while Fellows are entitled to use FRHS.

What was the approximate membership of the RHS in the financial year 2022/23?

The approximate membership of the RHS in the financial year 2022/23 was 625,000.

What are the five major gardens operated by the Royal Horticultural Society in England?

The five major gardens operated by the Royal Horticultural Society in England are Wisley Garden in Surrey, Rosemoor Garden in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, and RHS Garden Bridgewater in Greater Manchester.

Where was the Royal Horticultural Society's first garden located?

The Royal Horticultural Society's first garden was located in Kensington, and it operated from 1818 to 1822.

Which historical garden of the RHS employed Joseph Paxton?

Joseph Paxton was employed by the RHS at their Chiswick garden starting in 1823. This garden was leased from the Duke of Devonshire's estate.

How did the RHS acquire its Wisley Garden?

The Wisley Garden was acquired by the RHS when Sir Thomas Hanbury bought the garden and presented it to the society around 1903-1904.

When did the RHS Garden Bridgewater open to the public?

The RHS Garden Bridgewater, located at Worsley New Hall in Greater Manchester, opened in May 2021.

What is the most famous annual flower show organized by the RHS?

The most famous annual flower show organized by the RHS is the Chelsea Flower Show, which attracts visitors from around the world.

Which flower shows were added to the RHS lineup in 2024?

In 2024, the RHS expanded its lineup to include the Malvern Spring Festival, Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show, Garden Rosemoor Flower Show, and the first RHS Urban Show.

What is the name of the main library housed within the RHS headquarters?

The main library housed within the RHS headquarters at 80 Vincent Square, London, is known as the Lindley Library.

What forms of visual media are part of the RHS Herbarium's image library?

The RHS Herbarium's image library consists of over 3,300 original watercolours, approximately 30,000 color slides, and a growing number of digital images.

When did the Royal Horticultural Society take over the administration of the Britain in Bloom competition?

The Royal Horticultural Society took over the administration of the Britain in Bloom competition in 2002 from the Tidy Britain Group, which is also known as Keep Britain Tidy.

What is the purpose of the RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture?

The RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture aims to develop essential horticultural skills and provide a foundation for further RHS practical qualifications at Levels 2 and 3, targeting anyone interested in plants and gardening.

What is the Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award?

The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is the society's most prestigious professional horticultural qualification, equivalent to a degree level, and is intended for horticultural professionals, allowing flexible study over three or more years.

What is the Victoria Medal of Honour, and how many holders can there be at any given time?

The Victoria Medal of Honour is an award established in 1897 by the RHS to recognize British persons for special contributions in horticulture. There can only be 63 holders of this medal at any time, commemorating each year of Queen Victoria's reign.

What is the Elizabeth Medal of Honour, and when was it introduced?

The Elizabeth Medal of Honour was introduced by the society in 2023. There can be only 70 holders of this medal at any time, one for every year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

What is the Associate of Honour award, and what is its limit?

The Associate of Honour award was established in 1930, and the number of holders cannot exceed 100 at any time, unless they also hold the Victoria Medal of Honour.

What is the primary award given to garden plants by the Royal Horticultural Society?

The principal award given to garden plants by the Royal Horticultural Society is the Award of Garden Merit, or AGM, which is made annually after a period of assessment by relevant committees and plant trials.

What was the historical progression of the Royal Horticultural Society's main journal titles?

The Royal Horticultural Society's main journal evolved through several titles: initially the 'Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London' (1807-1848), followed by the 'Journal of the Horticultural Society of London' (1846-1855), 'Proceedings of the Horticultural Society of London' (1859-1860), 'Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society' (1861-1869), and 'Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society' (1866-1975). Since 1975, it has been titled 'The Garden'.

For which categories of cultivated plants does the RHS act as the International Registration Authority?

Since 1955, the RHS has acted as the International Registration Authority for nine categories of cultivated plants: conifers, clematis, daffodils, dahlias, delphiniums, dianthus, lilies, orchids, and rhododendrons.

What is the 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' and when was it published?

The 'Encyclopedia of Conifers' is a publication by the RHS, and it was published in 2012.

Who was the President of the Horticultural Society of London from 1838 to 1858?

William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, served as the President of the Horticultural Society of London from 1838 to 1858.

Who was the President of the Royal Horticultural Society from 2013 to 2020?

Sir Nicholas Bacon, Bt, served as the President of the Royal Horticultural Society from 2013 to 2020.

What is the 'It's your neighbourhood' campaign launched by the RHS?

The 'It's your neighbourhood' campaign was launched by the RHS in 2010 to encourage people to engage in horticulture for the benefit of their local community.

What is the focus of the annual publication 'Hanburyana'?

The annual publication 'Hanburyana', published by the RHS since 2006, is dedicated to horticultural taxonomy, which is the science of classifying plants.

What is the purpose of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening?

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening provides online inspiration, resources, and advice to its members, supporting millions of students in the UK to grow plants, food, and develop life skills.

What was the membership trend of the RHS between 2009 and 2019?

The membership of the RHS showed a consistent increase, growing from over 363,000 in 2009 to more than 414,000 in 2013, and further to 525,105 by 2019.

Which garden was acquired by the RHS through a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society?

Harlow Carr was acquired by the RHS in 2001 through a merger with the Northern Horticultural Society, having previously served as their trial ground and display garden since 1949.

What is the 'International Orchid Register' published by the RHS?

The 'International Orchid Register' is an extensive listing of orchid hybrids published by the RHS, which acts as the International Registration Authority for orchids.

What are some of the older plant awards mentioned in the source that are no longer referred to in current RHS websites?

Older plant awards mentioned in the source, which are not referred to in current RHS websites as of 2014, include the Preliminary Certificate (PC), Highly Commended (HC), Award of Merit (AM), and First Class Certificate (FCC).

What is the 'Veitch Memorial Medal' awarded for?

The Veitch Memorial Medal, named after James Veitch, is awarded annually to individuals of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and improvement of the science and practice of horticulture.

Who was the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society as of 2023?

As of 2023, the Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society was Clare Matterson CBE.

What was the total number of visitors to the four RHS gardens in 2013?

In 2013, more than 1.63 million people visited the four RHS gardens.

What is the significance of the Harry Smith Collection in relation to RHS gardens?

The Harry Smith Collection was based at Hyde Hall and was owned by Dick Robinson, who, along with Helen Robinson, gave Hyde Hall to the RHS in 1993, thus integrating the collection into the RHS's resources.

What is the role of the RHS in validating horticultural qualifications?

The RHS validates qualifications gained elsewhere, such as at Kew Botanic Gardens, in addition to running its own formal courses for gardeners and horticulturalists.

What is the 'RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture'?

The 'RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture' combines both theoretical and practical qualifications at Level 2, providing a foundation for entry into professional horticulture, supporting career development, or serving as a basis for further learning.

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The Society at a Glance

A Charitable Mission

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded on March 7, 1804, as the Horticultural Society of London, stands as the United Kingdom's foremost gardening charity. Its central purpose is to promote and advance the science, art, and practice of horticulture in all its branches. The society operates as a registered charity, with its headquarters located in London.

Core Activities & Impact

The RHS fulfills its mission through a diverse range of activities. It manages five world-class gardens, including RHS Garden Wisley, and hosts internationally renowned events like the Chelsea Flower Show. Furthermore, the society spearheads community gardening initiatives such as Britain in Bloom and provides an extensive educational programme for both amateur and professional gardeners.

Leadership & Governance

The society is guided by a dedicated leadership team. As of 2023, the president is Keith Weed, who provides strategic oversight and acts as a key ambassador. The day-to-day operations and implementation of the society's vision are managed by the Director General, Clare Matterson CBE, ensuring the charity continues to grow and inspire.

Roots of the Society

An Idea Takes Root

The concept for a British horticultural society was first proposed in 1800 by John Wedgwood, son of the famed potter Josiah Wedgwood. His vision was to create a forum for gardeners to present papers, share discoveries, and encourage discussion. The society would also recognize outstanding horticultural achievements with prizes.

The Founding Seven

Four years after Wedgwood's initial proposal, the inaugural meeting took place on March 7, 1804, at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London. Seven men were present:

John Wedgwood (Chairman)
William Townsend Aiton (Superintendent of Kew Gardens)
Sir Joseph Banks (President of the Royal Society)
James Dickson (Nurseryman)
William Forsyth (Royal Gardens Superintendent)
Charles Francis Greville (Lord of the Admiralty)
Richard Anthony Salisbury (First Secretary)

A Shift to Scientific Inquiry

At the suggestion of Sir Joseph Banks, Thomas Andrew Knight was invited to join. Knight, who served as president from 1811 to 1838, significantly expanded the society's original objectives. He introduced a programme of practical research, particularly focusing on fruit-breeding, establishing a scientific foundation that continues to define the RHS today.

A Growing Community

Exponential Growth

The society's membership has seen remarkable growth, reflecting a burgeoning public interest in gardening. From just over 363,000 members in 2009, the number swelled to over 525,000 by 2019 and exceeded 626,000 in the 2023/24 financial year. This growth enables the RHS to expand its charitable work across the UK.

Financial Year	Number of Members
2013/14	414,699
2014/15	428,472
2015/16	448,977
2016/17	472,157
2017/18	490,205
2018/19	502,666
2019/20	525,105
2020/21	521,132
2021/22	603,458
2022/23	~625,000
2023/24	~626,000
2024/25	~609,000

How to Join

Unlike its early days of election, membership is now open to all via a financial contribution. A higher tier of support is available through the RHS Fellowship, for those contributing a suggested £5,000 per annum. Members and Fellows are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MRHS and FRHS, respectively, to signify their affiliation and support.

The Five Flagship Gardens

A National Network

The RHS operates five major gardens across England, each with its own unique character and horticultural collections. These serve as centers of excellence, inspiration, and education for millions of visitors.

Wisley (Surrey)
Hyde Hall (Essex)
Harlow Carr (North Yorkshire)
Rosemoor (Devon)
Bridgewater (Greater Manchester)

A History of Cultivation

The society's first garden was in Kensington (1818-1822), followed by an experimental garden in Chiswick that operated until 1904. The modern era of RHS gardens began when Sir Thomas Hanbury purchased and gifted the garden at Wisley to the society, which remains its oldest garden. Rosemoor was presented in 1988, Hyde Hall in 1993, and Harlow Carr was acquired through a merger in 2001. The newest garden, Bridgewater, opened in May 2021.

RHS Garden Bridgewater

The most recent addition, RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley, Greater Manchester, represents one of the largest gardening projects in Europe. Created on the former site of Worsley New Hall, the 154-acre garden has transformed the historic landscape into a vibrant public resource, bringing world-class horticulture to the North West of England and demonstrating the society's ongoing commitment to expanding its reach.

World-Renowned Flower Shows

The Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS is globally recognized for its spectacular annual flower shows. The most prestigious of these is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a world-famous event that attracts visitors, designers, and horticulturalists from every corner of the globe. It is a benchmark for excellence in garden design and plant exhibition.

A Calendar of Events

Beyond Chelsea, the society organizes several other major shows. These include the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which the RHS took over in 1993, and the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in Cheshire. These events provide diverse platforms for celebrating horticulture and showcasing new trends and plants to a wide audience.

Expanding the Line-up

In recent years, the RHS has expanded its show offerings to include events like the Malvern Spring Festival, flower shows at its own gardens (Hyde Hall and Rosemoor), and the innovative RHS Urban Show. This expansion aims to make high-quality horticultural events more accessible across the country and to different types of gardeners.

Libraries & Publications

The Lindley Library

The RHS is the custodian of the Lindley Library, a world-class collection of horticultural literature. Its main branch is housed at the society's London headquarters, with additional libraries at each of the five gardens. The collection is founded upon the personal library of the eminent botanist John Lindley and is an invaluable resource for researchers and gardeners.

Journals and Periodicals

The society has a long history of publishing. Its flagship monthly magazine, The Garden, is sent to all members. It also produces specialist quarterly journals like The Plant Review and The Orchid Review, alongside Hanburyana, an annual publication dedicated to the complex science of horticultural taxonomy.

International Plant Registration

The RHS plays a crucial role as the International Registration Authority for nine major plant groups. This includes conifers, clematis, daffodils, dahlias, delphiniums, dianthus, lilies, orchids, and rhododendrons. It maintains definitive registers, such as The International Orchid Register, to ensure clarity and standardization in plant naming worldwide.

Education & Community Outreach

Formal Qualifications

A core part of the RHS mission is education. The society offers formal courses and qualifications for both amateur and professional horticulturalists. These range from foundational Level 1 awards to specialized Level 3 qualifications. The most prestigious is the degree-level Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award, intended for established professionals in the field.

Britain in Bloom

In 2002, the RHS took over the administration of the Britain in Bloom competition, the UK's largest community gardening campaign. This initiative encourages cities, towns, and villages to improve their local environment through imaginative planting, cleanliness, and conservation efforts, fostering community pride and engagement.

Campaign for School Gardening

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening supports millions of students across the UK. By providing online resources, inspiration, and advice, the campaign helps schools develop gardens where children can grow plants and food, learn valuable life skills, and connect with the natural world. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of gardeners.

Recognizing Excellence

Honoring People

The society bestows several prestigious awards to individuals for outstanding contributions to horticulture. The highest honor is the Victoria Medal of Honour, established in 1897, with only 63 living holders at any time. In 2023, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour was introduced, with a limit of 70 holders. The Veitch Memorial Medal is awarded internationally for the advancement of horticultural science.

The Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is the society's principal award for garden plants. It is granted to plants that have demonstrated outstanding excellence for garden decoration or use after a period of rigorous assessment and trial by RHS experts. The AGM helps gardeners identify the best and most reliable plants for their own gardens.

Show Medals

At its renowned flower shows, the RHS awards Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver, and Bronze medals to exhibitors. These medals are a highly sought-after mark of quality and are awarded for excellence in garden design, nursery displays, and floral exhibits. A Gold medal at an RHS show is considered one of the highest accolades in the horticultural world.

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References

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional horticultural, botanical, or gardening consultation. Always refer to official RHS publications and consult with qualified professionals for specific gardening needs or plant-related issues. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Royal Horticultural Society

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Society at a Glance ℹ️

📜 A Charitable Mission

🌱 Core Activities & Impact

🏛️ Leadership & Governance

Roots of the Society 🕰️

💡 An Idea Takes Root

🤝 The Founding Seven

🔬 A Shift to Scientific Inquiry

A Growing Community 👥

📈 Exponential Growth

🎟️ How to Join

The Five Flagship Gardens 🌳

📍 A National Network

⏳ A History of Cultivation

🆕 RHS Garden Bridgewater

World-Renowned Flower Shows 🏆

🌸 The Chelsea Flower Show

🎪 A Calendar of Events

➕ Expanding the Line-up

Libraries & Publications 📚

🏛️ The Lindley Library

📖 Journals and Periodicals

🌿 International Plant Registration

Education & Community Outreach 🎓

📜 Formal Qualifications

🌻 Britain in Bloom

🏫 Campaign for School Gardening

Recognizing Excellence 🏅

🎖️ Honoring People

⭐ The Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

🥇 Show Medals

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Society at a Glance

A Charitable Mission

Core Activities & Impact

Leadership & Governance

Roots of the Society

An Idea Takes Root

The Founding Seven

A Shift to Scientific Inquiry

A Growing Community

Exponential Growth

How to Join

The Five Flagship Gardens

A National Network

A History of Cultivation

RHS Garden Bridgewater

World-Renowned Flower Shows

The Chelsea Flower Show

A Calendar of Events

Expanding the Line-up

Libraries & Publications

The Lindley Library

Journals and Periodicals

International Plant Registration

Education & Community Outreach

Formal Qualifications

Britain in Bloom

Campaign for School Gardening

Recognizing Excellence

Honoring People

The Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Show Medals

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice