Looking back: RHS highlights from 2024
RHS President Keith Weed looks back on a year of firsts, including a new RHS Urban Show and an RHS Chelsea garden designed by school children
Recognising achivements great and small
Horticultural excellence is something we all strive for at the RHS and I believe it is important to both identify what this looks like and reward people who achieve it. One of the standout moments of 2024 for me was the RHS People Awards, which recognises achievement across all levels of horticulture, from young apprentices to experienced horticulturists. An RHS award not only celebrates an individual’s achievement but is also recognition of their expertise across the horticultural industry.
Graduates marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another
Exciting highlights from RHS Gardens
A personal highlight of the year was the opening in April of the Oakwood Pavilion at RHS Wisley in Surrey, celebrating the often-overlooked Ellen Willmott VMH. One of the most significant female horticulturists of the 19th century, she was pivotal in our history because she had a huge influence over persuading Sir Thomas Hanbury to buy RHS Wisley and gift it to the RHS.
The Oakwood Pavilion commemorating Ellen Willmott’s contribution to the RHS
The RHS Gardens all looked incredible this year and we celebrated some tremendous successes. RHS Wisley has a wonderful new landscape designed by Piet Oudolf that meanders beautifully from the Glasshouse to the Viewing Mount; it was a triumph of colour and
Winding paths, blooming flowers, and a gentle flow of the Oudolf Landscape
RHS Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, celebrated the opening of the redeveloped The Harrogate Arms Café as an RHS-run café, which visitors have been enjoying. At RHS Hyde Hall in Essex, work began on a refurbishment of the Rose Rope Walk to breathe new life into this historic feature. At RHS Rosemoor in Devon, we initiated the exciting new Winter Garden expansion while new areas of the Chinese Streamside at RHS Bridgewater in Greater Manchester, are coming to life. There is much to be thankful for at all our gardens.
A grand opening at with Mayor Harrison and RHS Director General Clare Matterson
A bumper year for communities and shows
We wished a happy 60th birthday to Britain in Bloom, which plays such a key role in the UK’s gardening communities. We want to bring horticulture and gardening to as many people as possible, and held our first RHS Urban Show in Manchester last year. This attracted a new younger audience, and another Urban Show is planned for the near future.
Community gardeners take a well-earned break from planting
We were delighted to welcome the King and Queen to RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, and also a host of excited youngsters who designed the first-ever children’s garden. The King was very engaged in all he saw and, having him as our new Patron, it’s marvellous to benefit from his horticultural passion and knowledge.
A royal visit in full bloom – engaging with young minds at RHS Chelsea
Moving knowledge sharing into a digital age
The relevance of the work of the RHS has never been more important. In an ever changing world climate, we are leading on discussions around cultivated plant resilience and their environmental benefits. We’re also engaging more people through our digital platforms and sharing this knowledge with them. This has been the start of a major new chapter for the RHS and an incredibly important one, as we share our experience and expertise with organisations worldwide to find solutions to global problems.
Gardener using ChatBotanist to track growth and get expert advice right from the garden
Paying tribute
Finally, I’d like to pay a special tribute to Sir Richard Carew Pole, former RHS President, who sadly passed away at the end of 2024. Sir Richard was a true champion of the RHS and set out a determined vision to promote gardening for all. He oversaw the merger of the Northern Horticultural Society to develop RHS Harlow Carr and his strong influence on RHS fundraising led to the construction of the magnificent Glasshouse at RHS Wisley. We have much to thank him for.
