Publications

RHS Journals

The Garden
December 2002

Furthering the cause

Horticultural science, education and improvements to our gardens are at the forefront of the Society’s charitable remit. Director-General Andrew Colquhoun
appeals to members for their continued support

Trees lining the Millennium Avenue at RHS Garden Hyde Hall were paid for by RHS members. Oak trees will be added this winter together with an arboretum of 50 trees planted in the Malus Field

Image: Alison Clarke

When I started working for the RHS in 1999, I was immediately struck by the high level of commitment and dedication among those involved with the Society’s work, whether members, staff or volunteers. Undoubtedly much passion and commitment comes from working with a subject we love, and also, I hope, from knowing we are part of making the RHS the most successful horticultural body in the world. I believe we also share a strong sense that the work of the Society really matters.

Horticultural science

Take, for example, our science. Good science underpins good gardening, and no other organisation is doing so much for the direct benefit of gardeners. Even in this sophisticated age, science faces a real challenge in giving us an understanding of the garden environment. Gardeners continually face new pests, diseases and disorders, and new, environmentally responsible solutions are required for some more familiar problems.

We have yet to develop the means to identify, let alone deal with, some of the most important diseases affecting our garden plants. British gardens are one of the world’s treasure houses of garden plant diversity, and botanists at RHS Garden Wisley provide great expertise in recording, preserving and conserving this precious asset. And never has there been a greater need for all this work - just think about the prospect of climate change and the challenges to RHS scientists that this will present, in all aspects of their work.

Reaching out

A key part of the RHS mission involves reaching out to new gardeners. The Schools Membership Scheme - one of our most important charitable activities, and one expanding so quickly at the moment - is bringing the joys of gardening and a love of plants to a new generation. Through the Britain in Bloom campaign, the Society is able to influence the local environments of hundreds of communities for the better.

This strong sense of pride and commitment is matched by a feeling that the Society has a long way to go to capitalise upon its charitable vision of encouraging and improving horticulture in all its forms. In 12 years, for example, we have moved from running one garden to four, yet many members and other gardeners live far away from an RHS garden as a source of delight and inspiration.

The Schools Membership Scheme may be increasing rapidly, but we have still signed up only a small proportion of schools. Our scientific work is constrained, not only by budgetary resources, but also by outdated laboratories and equipment. And there are any number of additional good ideas and potential projects within the Society that could further the cause of great gardening if the resources were available. In particular, we would like to do much more for young and disadvantaged people.

Additional funds

The cost of maintaining the Society’s four gardens and other horticultural work is only partially met by membership subscriptions, which is why we have appealed to you as our greatest and closest supporters. Many members generously donated funds for the Lindley Library refurbishment and more recently have responded to other appeals, including the Rosemoor Education Centre and the Wild Wood project at RHS Garden Hyde Hall. The success of these campaigns depends upon your enthusiastic response.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your donations and I hope that you will continue to endorse our work with your generous support.

Andrew Colquhoun is Director-General of the Society