Editing Royal Horticultural Society

{{Short description|Registered charity in the UK}}
{{Infobox organization
|name         = Royal Horticultural Society
|logo        = [[File:Royal Horticultural Society logo.png]] <!-- Feel free to upload an improved version of the logo, but please upload it locally as non-free/fair use. RHS logos uploaded to Commons will be deleted. -->
|caption      = RHS logo
|abbreviation = RHS
|motto        =
|formation    = {{Start date and age|1804|3|7|df=yes}} (as Horticultural Society of London)
|type         = [[Registered charity]]
|status       = <!-- ad hoc, treaty, foundation, etc -->
|purpose      = Promote [[gardening]] and [[horticulture]]
|headquarters = [[London]], {{postcode|SW|1}}
|region_served = [[United Kingdom]]
|membership   = 414,699 (2013)<ref name=rev1314>{{cite web | title=Annual Review 2013/2014 | publisher=RHS | url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs_annualreview_2014 | access-date=24 August 2014 | archive-date=4 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060900/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs_annualreview_2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
|leader_title = President
|leader_name  = [[Keith Weed]]
|main_organ   = <!-- gral. assembly, board of directors, etc -->
|num_staff    =
|num_volunteers =
|budget       = 2013/14 income: £71.94m<ref name=rev1314 />
|website      = {{official URL}}
|remarks      =
}}
[[File:Royal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, London SW1 - geograph.org.uk - 740335.jpg|thumb|RHS headquarters, Vincent Square]]
The '''Royal Horticultural Society''' ('''RHS'''), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London,<ref name=rev1314 />{{sfn|SSP|2016}} is the UK's leading [[gardening]] charity.<ref name="experts">{{cite web|title=RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture|url=https://www.learningwithexperts.com/gardening/rhs-level-2|publisher=learningwithexperts.com|access-date=25 February 2018|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411213618/https://www.learningwithexperts.com/gardening/rhs-level-2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="proland">{{cite news|title=RHS Appoints New Head of Science, Dr Alistair Griffiths|url=http://prolandscapermagazine.com/rhs-appoints-new-head-of-science-dr-alistair-griffiths/|access-date=25 February 2018|work=prolandscapermagazine.com|date=3 May 2013|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411213758/https://www.prolandscapermagazine.com/rhs-appoints-new-head-of-science-dr-alistair-griffiths/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=rev1314 />

The RHS promotes [[horticulture]] through its five gardens at [[RHS Garden Wisley|Wisley]] (Surrey), [[RHS Garden Hyde Hall|Hyde Hall]] (Essex), [[RHS Garden Harlow Carr|Harlow Carr]] (North Yorkshire), [[RHS Garden Rosemoor|Rosemoor]] (Devon) and [[RHS Garden Bridgewater|Bridgewater]] (Greater Manchester); flower shows including the [[Chelsea Flower Show]], [[Hampton Court Palace Flower Show]], [[Tatton Park Flower Show]] and Cardiff Flower Show; community gardening schemes; Britain in Bloom and a vast educational programme. It also supports training for professional and amateur gardeners. {{As of|2023}} the president was [[Keith Weed]] and the director general was Clare Matterson CBE.<ref>Current staff are listed on the RHS Web site.</ref>

== History ==

=== Founders ===

The creation of a British horticultural society was suggested by [[John Wedgwood (horticulturist)|John Wedgwood]] (son of [[Josiah Wedgwood]]) in 1800. His aims were fairly modest: he wanted to hold regular meetings, allowing the society's members the opportunity to present papers on their horticultural activities and discoveries, to encourage discussion of them, and to publish the results. The society would also award prizes for gardening achievements.

Wedgwood discussed the idea with his friends, but it was four years before the first meeting, of seven men, took place, on 7 March 1804 at [[Hatchards]] bookshop in [[Piccadilly]], London. Wedgwood was chairman; also present were [[William Townsend Aiton]] (successor to his father, [[William Aiton]], as Superintendent of [[Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew|Kew Gardens]]), Sir [[Joseph Banks]] (President of the [[Royal Society]]), [[James Dickson (biologist)|James Dickson]] (a nurseryman), [[William Forsyth (botanist)|William Forsyth]] (Superintendent of the gardens of [[St. James's Palace]] and [[Kensington Palace]]), [[Charles Francis Greville]] (a [[Lord of the Admiralty]]) and [[Richard Anthony Salisbury]], who became the Secretary of the new society.<ref name=lindley/>

Banks proposed his friend [[Thomas Andrew Knight]] for membership. The proposal was accepted, despite Knight's ongoing feud with Forsyth over a plaster for healing tree wounds which Forsyth was developing. Knight was president of the society from 1811 to 1838, and developed the society's aims and objectives to include a programme of practical research into fruit-breeding.<ref>{{cite news |title=Thomas Andrew Knight |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-chronicle/131775202/ |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=The Morning Chronicle |date=19 December 1838 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526120047/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-chronicle/131775202/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Membership==
[[File:RoyalHortSocMitglieder.png|thumb|Members of the RHS from its founding until 2002]]
In 2009 more than 363,000 people were members of the society, and the number increased to more than 414,000 in 2013<ref name=rev1314/> and to 525,105 by 2019.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2020 |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2019-20.pdf |publisher=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=13 August 2020 |archive-date=1 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401001028/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2019-20.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Membership and fellowship of the society were previously decided by election, but are now by financial contribution. Fellows are supporters "contributing a suggested £5,000 per annum" (as of 2022).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gerard|first1=Jasper|title=Crisis at the Royal Horticultural Society|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/6175529/Crisis-at-the-Royal-Horticultural-Society.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/6175529/Crisis-at-the-Royal-Horticultural-Society.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=25 March 2016|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=11 September 2009}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=RHS Fellows|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/support-us/rhs-fellowship|publisher=Royal Horticultural Society|access-date=4 March 2022|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150805/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/support-us/rhs-fellowship|url-status=live}}</ref>

Members and Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the [[post-nominal letters]] '''MRHS'''<ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations|date=1998|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|page=258|isbn=9780192800732|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bWwKWnp9vaoC&pg=PA258|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref> and '''FRHS''', respectively.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Dictionary of Abbreviations|date=1998|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|page=176|isbn=9780192800732|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bWwKWnp9vaoC&pg=PA176|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible"
|+
Membership by financial year
!Financial year
!Number of members
|-
|2013/14<ref name="rev1314" />
|414,699
|-
|2014/15<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 May 2015|title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 2014/2015|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/accounts-for-website.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920151010/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/Accounts-for-website.pdf|archive-date=2020-09-20|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Royal Horticultural Society|page=5|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|428,472
|-
|2015/16<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 May 2016|title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 2015/2016|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/Annual-Report-2016.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920140007/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/Annual-Report-2016.pdf|archive-date=2020-09-20|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Royal Horticultural Society|page=5|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|448,977
|-
|2016/17<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 May 2017|title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 2016/2017|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/RHS-Annual-Report-2016-17.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920135301/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/RHS-Annual-Report-2016-17.pdf|archive-date=2020-09-20|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Royal Horticultural Society|page=15|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|472,157
|-
|2017/18<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 May 2018|title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2018|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2017-18.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920141459/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2017-18.pdf|archive-date=20 September 2020|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Royal Horticultural Society|page=17|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|490,205
|-
|2018/19<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=30 April 2019|title=Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 January 2019|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2018-19.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921192321/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/about-the-rhs/mission-and-strategy/past-annual-reports/rhs-annual-report-2018-19.pdf|archive-date=21 September 2020|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Royal Horticultural Society|page=19|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|502,666
|-
|2019/20<ref name=":0" />
|525,105
|}

== Gardens ==
[[File:Greenhouse John Claudius Loudon 1818.png|thumb|Greenhouse design for Royal Horticultural Society by [[John Claudius Loudon]], 1818]]

The Royal Horticultural Society's five major gardens in [[England]] are: [[RHS Garden Wisley|Wisley Garden]], near [[Wisley]] in [[Surrey]]; [[Rosemoor Garden]] in [[Devon]]; [[RHS Garden, Hyde Hall|Hyde Hall]] in [[Essex]]; [[RHS Garden, Harlow Carr|Harlow Carr]] in [[Harrogate]], [[North Yorkshire]] and RHS Garden, Bridgewater in [[Worsley]], [[Greater Manchester]].

The society's first garden was in [[Kensington]], from 1818 to 1822. In 1820 the society leased some of [[Hugh Ronalds]]' nursery ground at Little [[Ealing]] to set up an experimental garden,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ronalds|first=B.F.|date=2017|title=Ronalds Nurserymen in Brentford and Beyond|journal=Garden History|volume=45|pages=82–100}}</ref> but the next year part of the [[Duke of Devonshire]]'s estate at [[Chiswick]] was obtained. In 1823 it employed [[Joseph Paxton]] there. From 1827 the society held [[fête]]s at the Chiswick garden, and from 1833, shows with competitive classes for flowers and vegetables. In 1861 the RHS (as it had now become) developed a new garden at [[South Kensington]] on land leased from the [[Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851]] (the [[Science Museum, London|Science Museum]], [[Imperial College London|Imperial College]] and the [[Royal College of Music]] now occupy the site), but it was closed in 1882.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.architecture.com/LibraryDrawingsAndPhotographs/Albertopolis/TheStoryOf/RHSGardens/Decline.aspx| title=RHS Gardens: Decline of the gardens in South Kensington| publisher=[[Royal Institute of British Architects]]| access-date=14 December 2010| archive-date=29 July 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729182013/http://www.architecture.com/LibraryDrawingsAndPhotographs/Albertopolis/TheStoryOf/RHSGardens/Decline.aspx| url-status=dead}}</ref> The Chiswick garden was maintained until 1903–1904, by which time Sir Thomas Hanbury had bought the garden at Wisley and presented it to the RHS.

RHS Garden Wisley is thus the society's oldest garden. Rosemoor came next, presented by [[Lady Anne Berry]] in 1988. Hyde Hall was given to the RHS in 1993 by its owners Dick and Helen Robinson. Dick Robinson was also the owner of the [[Harry Smith Collection]] which was based at Hyde Hall. Then came Harlow Carr, acquired by the merger of the Northern Horticultural Society with the RHS in 2001. It had been the Northern Horticultural Society's trial ground and display garden since they bought it in 1949. In 2013, more than 1.63 million people visited the four gardens.<ref name=rev1314 />

In 2015 the RHS announced plans for a fifth garden at [[Worsley New Hall]], Greater Manchester, under the name [[RHS Garden Bridgewater]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/pdf/Bridgewater/Bridgewater-Consultation-Boards.pdf|title=Bridgewater Consultation Boards|date=2017|website=RHS.org.uk|access-date=2020-09-15|archive-date=2020-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916035817/https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/pdf/Bridgewater/Bridgewater-Consultation-Boards.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The garden opened in May 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bridgewater opens May 2021 |url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/articles/bridgewater-open |access-date=2022-10-28 |website=www.rhs.org.uk |language=en-gb |archive-date=2022-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028132541/https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/articles/bridgewater-open |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Shows ==
[[File:RHS Lawrence Hall 652R.jpg|thumb|upright|London flower show in [[Lawrence Hall, London|Lawrence Hall]]]]

The RHS is well known for its annual flower shows which take place across the UK. The most famous of these shows is the RHS [[Chelsea Flower Show]], visited by people from across the world. This was followed by the [[Hampton Court Palace Flower Show]] (which the RHS took over in 1993) and RHS [[Tatton Park Flower Show]] in [[Cheshire]] (since 1999). In 2024 the line up expanded to include the Malvern Spring Festival, Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show, Garden Rosemoor Flower Show and the first RHS Urban Show <ref>{{Cite web |title=Shows & Events |url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=www.rhs.org.uk |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=RHS Flower Show Tatton Park blooming in the sunshine|date=24 July 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28473188|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 August 2014|archive-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320040743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28473188|url-status=live}}</ref>

The society is also closely involved with BBC Gardeners' World Live held annually at the Birmingham [[National Exhibition Centre]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC Gardeners' World Live: bringing garden ideas to life |url=https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/ |access-date=2024-07-01 |website=BBC Gardeners' World Live |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Libraries ==
The RHS is custodian of the [[Lindley Library]], housed within its headquarters at 80 [[Vincent Square]], London, and in branches at each of its four gardens. The library is based upon the book collection of [[John Lindley]].<ref name=lindley>{{cite news|first=Sophie |last=Campbell|date=3 August 2012|title=RHS Lindley Library collection: all hail our plant hunters|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/9444972/RHS-Lindley-Library-collection-all-hail-our-plant-hunters.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/9444972/RHS-Lindley-Library-collection-all-hail-our-plant-hunters.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |newspaper=Daily Telegraph|access-date=12 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The RHS Herbarium has its own image library (collection) consisting of more than 3,300 original watercolours, approximately 30,000 colour slides and a rapidly increasing number of digital images. Although most of the images have been supplied by photographers commissioned by the RHS, the archive includes a substantial number of slides from the [[Harry Smith Collection]] and [[NCCPG National Plant Collection|Plant Heritage National Plant Collection]] holders.<ref name="RHS Herb Img">{{cite web |url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Plant-science/RHS-Herbarium/Collections/Images |title=Image collection / RHS Gardening |access-date=2011-03-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524051516/http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Plant-science/RHS-Herbarium/Collections/Images |archive-date=2011-05-24 }}</ref>

The libraries in each of the gardens are open to all visitors. RHS members can borrow books from the Lindley London, as well as the libraries at [[RHS Garden, Wisley|Wisley Garden]] and [[Harlow Carr Garden]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Explore our RHS Libraries in London and RHS Gardens|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/libraries-at-rhs/library-services|access-date=2 March 2021|publisher=Royal Horticultural Society|archive-date=1 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401125111/https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/libraries-at-rhs/library-services|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Britain in Bloom ==

In 2002, the RHS took over the administration of the [[Britain in Bloom]] competition from the Tidy Britain Group (formerly and subsequently [[Keep Britain Tidy]]).<ref name=bloom>{{cite news|first=Deborah|last=Stone|date=28 January 2014|title=How to sign up for RHS Britain in Bloom 2014|url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/456624/How-to-sign-up-for-RHS-Britain-in-Bloom-2014|publisher=The Express|access-date=12 August 2014|archive-date=4 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210404080241/https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/garden/456624/How-to-sign-up-for-RHS-Britain-in-Bloom-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the society launched 'It's your neighbourhood', a campaign to encourage people to get involved in horticulture for the benefit of their community. In 2014, 'Britain in Bloom' celebrated its 50th anniversary.<ref name=bloom/>

==Education and training==
[[File:Royal Horticultural Society library - Senate House History Day 2019.jpg|thumb|Royal Horticultural Society Libraries at the Senate House History Day, 2019.]]
The RHS runs formal courses for professional and amateur gardeners and horticulturalists and also validates qualifications gained elsewhere (e.g. at [[Kew Botanic Gardens]]).<ref name=rhsed>{{cite web | title=RHS Qualifications | publisher=RHS | year=2014 | url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/Education-Learning/Qualifications-and-Training/RHS-qualifications | access-date=25 August 2014 | archive-date=11 April 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411213928/https://www.rhs.org.uk/Education-Learning/Qualifications-and-Training/RHS-qualifications | url-status=live }}</ref>

The RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture aims to develop essential horticultural skills and to provide a foundation for further RHS practical qualifications at Levels 2 and 3. It is aimed at anyone who has an interest in plants and gardening.<ref name=rhsed />

Level 2 qualifications provide a basis for entry into professional horticulture, support career development for existing horticultural workers or can provide a foundation for further learning or training. There are separate theoretical- and practical-based qualifications at this Level and the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture combines the theoretical- and practical-based qualifications.<ref name=rhsed /><ref name="experts"/>

Level 3 qualifications allow specialisation in the candidate's area of interest. They can offer proficiency for those looking for employment in horticulture, they can support further career and professional development for those already working in the field, or they can provide a basis for continued learning or training. As for Level 2, there are theoretical- and practical-based qualifications at Level 3 and a Diploma that combines both.<ref name=rhsed />

The Master of Horticulture (RHS) Award is the society's most prestigious professional horticultural qualification. It is of degree level and it is intended for horticultural professionals. The course allows for flexible study over a period of three years or more.<ref name=rhsed />

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening provides online inspiration, resources and advice to its members. With the help of teachers, volunteers and other school-gardening champions, they support millions of students in the UK, giving them the opportunity to grow plants, food and develop life skills.<ref name=rev1314 />

== Medals and awards ==

===People===
The society honours certain British persons who are deemed by its council to be deserving of special recognition in the field of horticulture with the [[Victoria Medal of Honour]], established in 1897. There are only 63 holders of this medal at any time, one for every year of the reign of [[Queen Victoria]].<ref name = "RHS Awards available 2022">{{cite web |title=RHS People Awards |url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/who-we-are/rhs-council/rhs-awards |website=Royal Horticultural Society |access-date=5 June 2022 |archive-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817210850/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/who-we-are/rhs-council/rhs-awards |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2023, the society has handed out the [[Elizabeth Medal of Honour]], for which there could be only 70 holders at any time, one for every year of the reign of [[Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/05/23/king-searches-new-plants-garden-chelsea-flower-show/|title=King searches for new garden plants after rabbit problem|work=The Telegraph|first=Victoria|last=Ward|date=23 May 2023|accessdate=23 May 2023|archive-date=23 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523081128/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2023/05/23/king-searches-new-plants-garden-chelsea-flower-show/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thus, neither of the aforementioned medals are awarded every year

Other awards bestowed by the society include the Associate of Honour (established in 1930) where the number does not exceed 100 at any time (unless they also hold the Victoria Medal of Honour).<ref name="GardenAugust2009">''The Garden'', August 2009, page 512 (Royal Horticultural Society)</ref> As of 2022 there were also the Harlow Carr Medal (for significant contribution to horticulture in the north of England), Reginald Cory Memorial Cup (for introducing new hybrid plants developed from existing garden plants), Community Award (for long-term contribution to [[community gardening]]) and the Roy Lancaster Award (for exceptional contribution by those under 35 years old).<ref name = "RHS Awards available 2022" /> Medals issued by the society earlier in its history have included the Banksian, Knightian and Lindley medals, named after early officers of the society, as well as Honorary Fellowships.

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

The society awards Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver and Bronze medals to exhibitors at its Flower Shows.{{sfn|Tjaden|1994}}

===Plants===
The [[Award of Garden Merit]], or AGM, is the principal award made to garden plants by the society after a period of assessment by the appropriate committees of the society. Awards are made annually after plant trials.

Older books may contain references to the following awards, which were based mainly on flower or fruit quality<ref name=lindley2>{{cite news|year=2014|title=Plant Awards|url=http://www.rhododendrons.co.uk/Page/67/Advice.aspx|publisher=Millais Nurseries|access-date=25 August 2014|archive-date=4 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104225432/https://www.rhododendrons.co.uk/Page/67/Advice.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> (but which are not referred to in current (2014) RHS websites and reports):
: PC: Preliminary Certificate
: HC: Highly Commended
: AM: [[Award of Merit]] (not the same as the AGM)
: FCC: First Class Certificate (once a very prestigious award)

== Publications ==

=== Journals ===
The society published its proceedings as the ''Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London'' from 1807 to 1848. The society has also published a journal since 1846. Initially known as the ''Journal of the Horticultural Society of London'' (1846–1855), then ''Proceedings of the Horticultural Society of London'' (1859–1860) and ''Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society'' (1861–1869). This was continued as ''Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society'' (1866–1975).{{sfn|SSP|2016}}

Since 1975 it has been entitled ''[[The Garden (magazine)|The Garden]]'' as a monthly publication. The RHS also publishes both ''[[The Plant Review]]'' and ''[[The Orchid Review]]'' four times a year, and ''Hanburyana'', an annual publication dedicated to horticultural [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] since 2006.{{sfn|SSP|2016}}<ref>{{cite web |first=John |last=Grimshaws |title=Hanburyana |date=27 July 2011 |url=http://johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/hanburyana.html |publisher=blogspot.co.uk |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=9 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509001534/http://johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/hanburyana.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Graham |last=Rice |title=Announcement: Hanburyana - New RHS taxonomy publication |date=11 April 2006 |url=http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2006-April/asvamko2j18sqbi6nsj5kodag3.html |publisher=pacificbulbsociety.org |access-date=4 December 2014 |archive-date=12 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412164940/https://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbslist/2006-April/asvamko2j18sqbi6nsj5kodag3.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Registers and encyclopedias===
Since the establishment of International Registration Authorities for plants in 1955 the RHS has acted as Registrar for certain groups of cultivated plants. It is now Registrar for nine categories – [[conifer]]s, [[clematis]], [[daffodil]]s, [[dahlia]]s, [[delphinium]]s, [[dianthus]], [[Lilium|lilies]], [[Orchidaceae|orchids]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Elliott|first=Brent|title='The Royal Horticultural Society and its Orchids: A Social History' in Occasional Papers from the RHS Lindley Library, volume 2, March 2010|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/publications/lindley-library-occasional-papers/volume-2-march-2010.pdf|access-date=2021-04-26|archive-date=2021-08-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815193729/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/pdfs/publications/lindley-library-occasional-papers/volume-2-march-2010.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[rhododendron]]s. It publishes The International Orchid Register, an extensive listing of orchid hybrids,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-08-15 |title=Royal Horticultural Society - Research |url=http://www.rhs.org.uk/research/registerpages/orchid_parentage.asp |access-date=2024-01-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060815211724/http://www.rhs.org.uk/research/registerpages/orchid_parentage.asp |archive-date=2006-08-15 }}</ref> and the ''[[Encyclopedia of Conifers]]'', which was published in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Book Preview: Encyclopedia of Conifers. |url=http://www.conifer-encyclopedia.co.uk/foreward.html |accessdate=2011-09-11 |archive-date=2012-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425153827/http://www.conifer-encyclopedia.co.uk/foreward.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Books ===

The RHS publishes many horticulture and gardening books, including:
* {{cite book|editor1-last=Ingram|editor1-first=David S.|editor2-last=Vince-Prue|editor2-first=Daphne|editor3-last=Gregory|editor3-first=Peter J.|title=Science and the garden the scientific basis of horticultural practice|date=2008|publisher=Blackwell|location=Oxford|isbn=9781444360356|edition=2nd|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8vuAeRPCAoIC}}
* {{cite book|last1=Huxley|first1=Anthony|author-link = Anthony Huxley|last2=Griffiths|first2=Mark|last3=Levy|first3=Margot|title=The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening (4 vols.)|date=1992|orig-year= 1st ed. Frederick Chittenden and William Stearn. Oxford University Press 1951. 2nd ed. [[P.M. Synge]] (ed.) Oxford 1956|publisher=[[Macmillan Publishers|Macmillan]]|location=London|isbn=978-0333474945|ref={{harvid|Huxley et al|1992}}}}

==Presidents==
;Horticultural Society of London (1804–1861)
* 1811–1838 : [[Thomas Andrew Knight]] (1st President)
* 1838–1858 : [[William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire]]
* 1858–1861 : [[Albert, Prince Consort]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/gardening-the-career-that-came-up-roses-after-eton-oxford-and-a-top-job-in-retailing-what-next-1395425.html|title=Gardening:The career that came up roses|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813180636/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/gardening-the-career-that-came-up-roses-after-eton-oxford-and-a-top-job-in-retailing-what-next-1395425.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

;Royal Horticultural Society (1861–)
* 1862–1883 : [[Duke of Buccleuch]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society, Volume 5|page=1}}</ref>
* 1884–1885 : Sir [[Benjamin Thomas Brandreth-Gibbs]]
* 1885–1913 : Sir [[Trevor Lawrence (horticulturalist)|Trevor Lawrence]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionary Of British And Irish Botantists And Horticulturalists|first=Ray|last=Desmond|page=417}}</ref>
* 1913–1919 : [[Francis Grenfell, 1st Baron Grenfell]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionary Of British And Irish Botanists And Horticulturalists|first=Ray|last=Desmond|page=297}}</ref>
* 1919–1928 : [[Amelius Lockwood, 1st Baron Lambourne]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Dictionary Of British And Irish Botantists And Horticulturalists|first=Ray|last=Desmond|page=1798}}</ref>
* 1928–1931 : [[Gerald Loder, 1st Baron Wakehurst]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Alumni Cantabrigienses: A Biographical List of All Known Students ..., Volume 2|page=199}}</ref>(11th President)
* 1931–1953 : [[Henry McLaren, 2nd Baron Aberconway]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Henry_Duncan_McLaren|title= Henry Duncan McLaren|publisher= Graces Guide|access-date= 13 August 2018|archive-date= 11 April 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150727/https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Henry_Duncan_McLaren|url-status= live}}</ref>
* 1953–1961 : Sir [[David Bowes-Lyon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/garden-highlights/Bowes-Lyon-Rose-Garden|title=A rose garden with a difference|publisher=RHS|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411185349/https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/garden-highlights/Bowes-Lyon-Rose-Garden|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 1961–1984 : [[Charles McLaren, 3rd Baron Aberconway]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1421186/Lord-Aberconway.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1421186/Lord-Aberconway.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Lord Aberconway - Obituary|newspaper= The Telegraph|access-date= 13 August 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* 1984–1994 : Robin A.E. Herbert <ref>{{cite book|title=The Royal Horticultural Society: A History, 1804-2004 |page=56}}</ref>
* 1994–2001 : Sir [[Simon Hornby]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/finance-obituaries/7915229/Sir-Simon-Hornby.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/finance-obituaries/7915229/Sir-Simon-Hornby.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title= Sir Simon Hornby |newspaper= The Telegraph|access-date= 13 August 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* 2001–2006 : [[Sir Richard Carew Pole, 13th Baronet|Sir Richard Carew-Pole, Bt]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/flower_shows/chelsea_2005/background_interviews1.shtml|title=RHS President|publisher=BBC|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411150658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/flower_shows/chelsea_2005/background_interviews1.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 2006–2008 : Peter N. Buckley <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/3815138/Peter-Buckley.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/3815138/Peter-Buckley.html |archive-date=2022-01-12 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Peter Buckley- Obituary|newspaper= The Telegraph|access-date= 13 August 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* 2009–2010 : Giles Coode-Adams <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/5da510be-43fb-11de-a9be-00144feabdc0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/5da510be-43fb-11de-a9be-00144feabdc0 |archive-date=2022-12-10|url-access=subscription|title=City man with passion for woody plants|newspaper= Financial Times|access-date= 13 August 2018}}</ref>
* 2010–2013 : [[Elizabeth Banks (architect)|Elizabeth Banks]]<ref name=bacon>{{Cite news |title=New RHS President elected |author= |website=Gardenforum |date=26 June 2013 |url=https://www.gardenforum.co.uk/news/people/new-rhs-president-elected/ |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304212801/https://www.gardenforum.co.uk/news/people/new-rhs-president-elected/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* 2013–2020 : [[Sir Nicholas Bacon, 14th Baronet|Sir Nicholas Bacon, Bt]]<ref name=bacon/>
* 2020–present : [[Keith Weed]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/who-we-are/rhs-council|title=RHS Council|publisher=RHS|access-date=2018-08-13|archive-date=2021-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411185238/https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/who-we-are/rhs-council|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland]]
* [[Arlow Stout]], a pioneer in the hybridization of daylilies, honorary life fellow of RHS
* [[Lindley Hall, London|Lindley Hall]], exhibition hall owned by the RHS and located next to their head office in London
* [[Robert Allen Rolfe]], the founder of the magazine ''The Orchid Review''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin}}
* Elliott, Brent (2004). ''The Royal Horticultural Society: A History 1804–2004.'' Phillimore. {{ISBN|978-1-86077-272-6}}
* {{cite web|title=Royal Horticultural Society|url=http://www.scholarly-societies.org/history/1804rhs.html|website=Scholarly Societies Project|publisher=University of Waterloo|access-date=22 April 2016|ref={{harvid|SSP|2016}}|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716034127/http://www.scholarly-societies.org/history/1804rhs.html|url-status=live}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Tjaden|first1=W. L.|title=The Medals of the Royal Horticultural Society|journal=[[Archives of Natural History]]|date=February 1994|volume=21|issue=1|pages=77–112|doi=10.3366/anh.1994.21.1.77}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Royal Horticultural Society}}
* {{Official website|http://www.rhs.org.uk/}}

{{Portal bar|Plants|Gardening|London}}

{{Royal Horticultural Society}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Royal Horticultural Society| ]]
[[Category:Charities based in London]]
[[Category:Gardening in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Horticultural organisations based in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Organisations based in the City of Westminster]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1804]]
[[Category:1804 establishments in the United Kingdom]]