Whether you are a community group, allotment neighbours or a gardening interest group, sign up for a free tour of the RHS Lindley Library.

Dates: Tuesdays and Fridays throughout the year
Times: 11am–12noon or 2pm–3pm
Price: Free to attend

Drop us an email to book >

Discover how the RHS led the Dig for Victory campaign during World War Two, with our free 15-minute show and tell. This week we explore the pamphlets and photography, which helped to feed a nation at war, and encouraged a generation of gardeners.

Join our houseplant experts as they explore the highs and lows of indoor gardening, and share their experiences and advice to help you achieve your houseplant haven. There will be plenty of time to ask questions, plus you can join us for a drink after the conversation and explore the RHS Lindley Library’s collection of gardening books.

Take a step back in time to Victorian London with our free 15-minute show and tell. This week we take a look at the portrait photography, which dominated the late 1800s, with our unique collection of calling cards, depicting prominent Victorian gardeners and nursery men, and an impressive assemblage of facial hair styles.

Can a flower make you feel hope? Can a plant allude to death? Can an artwork represent lust?

Inspired by Bloom: Art, Flowers and Emotion, join the RHS Lindley Library as we discuss the capacity for botanical artwork to move and inspire emotion. In this conversation we will take a look at representations of flowers from Tate and the RHS art collections, looking at companion pieces to explore whether ‘botanical art can evoke an emotional response?’ There will be plenty of time to ask your questions and share your thoughts. Plus, join us for a drink after the conversation and explore the RHS Lindley Library's collection of botanical art books.

Speakers:
Rachel Giles - Rachel is a florist, writer and editor specialising in art and design.
Charlotte Brooks - Charlotte is the Art Curator at the RHS Lindley Library. 

Discover a history of plants and play as we explore changing attitudes towards childhood in the Edwardian era, with our free 15-minute talk.

This week we show off our beautiful coloured plates from Henry Robert Robertson's book, Plants we play with, documenting some nostalgic pastimes, of playing with daisies, mulberry bushes and ‘conquers’.

Join Rainbow Roots as we explore the connections between flowers and queer identities, at this zine-making workshop. From flowers adopted as a symbol for a queer movements, to ‘bisexual’ plants which have both male and female reproductive anatomy. Taking inspiration from the discussion and materials from the RHS Lindley Library collection, get designing your zine using a mixture of collage, writing and drawing.

All materials are provided. Participation in discussions and sharing your zine is optional for those who feel comfortable to share.

Rainbow Roots is the name of the RHS's network for LGBTQ+ Staff and Allies. 

Take an unexpected perspective on the world’s most famous flower show with our free 15-minute show and tell.

This week we show off a selection of historic and modern objects from our collection which reveal a secret history of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Explore a history of perfume and medicinal plants with a tour of our library collections, before creating your own signature scent with fragrance expert Tanya. From the zesty freshness of citrus fruits to the aromatic allure of herbs and spices, learn how to balance, blend and harmonise a treasure trove of natural essential oils to create a fragrance that truly resonates with your unique style and personality.

All materials are provided.

Tanya Moulding - Tanya is an aromatherapist who specialises in the history and uses of plants and their extracts.