Horticultural federations/Guilds of Judges

Horticultural federations

Horticultural federations operate on a county-wide basis with a membership base consisting of horticultural gardening clubs, societies and individuals. They provide access to a vast network of gardening clubs and societies in their area and help members with advice on the day-to-day organisation of local club business and other society matters.

Most also provide speakers and judges lists, guidelines for show organisers, advice on matters concerning rules of governance and constitutions and opportunities to participate in federation-organised events.

Federations always need new members and volunteers to support their work. They will be pleased to hear from more societies wishing to participate at a county level. To contact your nearest horticultural federation, click on one of the links below.

Please note: There are federations in most areas but not all. If there isn't a federation in your area and you would like further information, contact the RHS Community Horticulture Department on 020 7821 3069. If you are interested in setting up a federation in your area, we can also put you in touch with another federation to obtain advice.

Guilds of Judges

There are several Guilds of Judges around the country, which train horticultural judges. If you are interested in becoming a judge or need a judge for your show, please contact one of the judges guilds below. Several of the federations listed can also provide access to judges in their area.

Please note: Information on other federations and guilds will be provided once we have it.

Further details

Berkshire Guild of Judges and Lecturers
Bucks Association of Horticultural Societies
Dorset Federation of Horticultural Societies
Essex Guild of Horticultural Judges
Gloucestershire Federation of Gardening Societies
Greater Manchester, Merseyside & North Cheshire Allotment & Leisure Gardens Council: Contact Bob Splaine; 01942 874320
Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies
Kent Federation of Horticultural Societies
Leicester & Leicestershire Horticultural Judges’ Guild
Middlesex Federation of Horticultural & Allotment Societies: Contact Colin Lathwell; 020 8902 8756
QED Allotments Group: Contact Dr Richard Wiltshire; 01322 409184
Scottish Gardeners Forum: Contact Ms Alex Rutherford, Secretary; arutherford@perennial.org.uk or Tom Mabbott, Council Member; 0131 331 1011
Somerset Federation of Gardening Clubs
Staffordshire Association of Garden Guilds: Contact Eddie Taylor; 01283 712828
Suffolk Horticultural & Produce Association: Contact Mary Ellis; 01473 635200
Surrey Horticultural Federation
Westmorlands & North Lancashire Federation of Horticultural Show Societies: Contact Les Crossley;
01229 836552