Societies & Associations
Founded in 1941, Crowborough Horticultural Society is a friendly, educational forum for all gardeners and allotment holders in Crowborough and the surrounding area. We hold monthly meetings with expert speakers, an Annual Open Show and group visits to places of gardening interest.
Extending our knowledge of cyclamen and encouraging their cultivation and conservation. Membership of the Cyclamen Society is open to anyone. By joining the Cyclamen Society, you will contribute to increasing knowledge of the Genus Cyclamen: its distribution in the wild, its conservation and cultivation of the plants.
The Journal of the Cyclamen Society, published in June and December, contains articles about plants in the wild and in cultivation. It contains a mix of serious items and ‘chat’ about members’ experiences, with full colour illustrations, both photographs of Cyclamen in the wild and commissioned botanical paintings.
The European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) is devoted to encouraging the appreciation, cultivation and knowledge of Boxwood and Topiary and to further extend both historic and scientific research in the subject.
Our aims are to encourage, improve and extend the cultivation of boxwood and to disseminate knowledge of boxwood and topiary, in all its forms, by means of publications, promotions, exhibitions, scientific research, European co-operation and exchange, conferences and visits, various meetings and other appropriate activities.
We are a European body with active membership in the UK, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Further relationships in Italy, Portugal and Spain are currently being developed. Each country is responsible for running its own organisation within the overall framework of our Vision and Aims. A longstanding and very strong relationship with The American Boxwood Society (ABS) in Virginia, USA has been in existence for many years and which we value greatly.
Faversham Horticultural Society, founded in 1863 by the gardeners of Faversham in Kent.
Before the Second World War, various societies founded by the gardeners of Faversham and the surrounding areas were in existence. However, in 1948 all the separate societies amalgamated and the present Faversham Horticultural Society was formed.
The society aims to encourage the cultivation of flowers, fruit and vegetables by holding exhibitions and other activities. Members include gardeners, allotment holders, smallholders and cottage gardeners.
The society, affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, has a full programme of shows, together with monthly meetings on a range of gardening topics plus a number of social events. Annual subscription is £5. For full details of membership, contact the secretary.
Fernhurst Horticultural Society is your local gardening club. Anyone who is interested in plants and gardening is welcome to join no matter what type of garden they have – large or small – established or new – a conservatory – or pot plants on the patio.
The origins of the Society date back to 1912 when a Flower Show Committee was formed to organise an annual show. The Flower Show was held every year without a break until in 1935 the Horticultural Society was founded to take over from the Flower Show Committee and expand the range of activities. Shows have been held every year since except for the war years and in 1948 the Society was affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society.
The aim of the Society is to encourage interest in gardening and provide opportunities for members to exchange experience, and increase their knowledge of plants and gardens. Three types of activity are organised each year the shows in spring, and autumn, days out by coach to visit notable gardens or events, and monthly evening talks by visiting lecturers during the winter. In addition the Society participates in the Fernhurst Revels.
We welcome new members and the annual subscription is just £5. Check out our membership page for details of the many benefits of becoming a member. Find out more about the Society by reading a copy of the Schedule, which is available at both the Post Office and the Fernhurst Centre. For further information contact the secretary Bob Pennington by email or telephone 01428 664406
The Hebe Society promotes the cultivation and conservation of hebes and other New Zealand native plants. The Hebe Society was founded in 1985. It is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society, New Zealand Alpine Garden Society and Tatton Garden Society. Most members are in the British Isles, but some are in the rest of Europe, North America and New Zealand.
Although initially formed for those interested in hebes, the Society now supports the cultivation and conservation of all New Zealand plants.
The inaugural meeting of the Irish Garden Plant Society took place on 7th July 1981, a draft constitution was discussed, amended and adopted and a committee elected.
We take the lead in researching, finding and propagating Irish plants to ensure their survival.
We research great Irish gardens and garden history.
We have a hands-on role in a number of garden restoration projects.
We actively promote Irish horticulture, with recognition for our exhibits at major international shows, including the Chelsea Flower Show.
Last but not least, we enjoy Irish gardens through regular talks, lectures, workshops and garden visits.
Membership of the Irish Garden Plant Society is open to anyone interested in its work, living in Ireland or abroad. Members are enthusiastic gardeners, many of whom have a special interest in Ireland’s great horticultural heritage.
The Little Common Horticultural Society is a warm and friendly society devoted to providing an interesting and enjoyable experience for all our members. We are active in the Little Common and Bexhill communities of East Sussex.
We very much welcome visitors and new members, whether experienced or novice. Do come along and try us out one evening, it costs only £2 as a visitor. Our annual membership is fantastic value at only £7 – this gives you free entry to all our monthly shows and meetings.
Our members range from those with decades of professional horticultural experience, talented amateur gardeners to complete novices who simply enjoy gardening, being in gardens, trips out and cream teas!
It isn’t only gardening. There are also craft, photography and domestic categories in both the monthly and annual shows.
The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804, and our core objective is to be the world’s leading gardening charity by inspiring passion and excellence in the science, art and practice of horticulture. In everything we do, we will aim to use our guiding principles.
Our strategic objectives
1. Be known, loved and trusted as the charity for all gardeners
2. Safeguard and advance the science, art and practice of horticulture for the benefit of future generations and the environment
3. Transform communities through gardening
4. Create world-leading horticulture that inspires people to garden
4. Nurture and grow our membership throughout the UK
6. Provide a voice for all gardeners, sharing and building expert knowledge
7. Delight our customers with exceptional service and products
8. Be a great place to work where everyone makes a difference
9. Have efficient business practices that deliver maximum income for our charitable purpose
10.Make horticulture a career to be proud of.
We want to enrich everyone’s life through plants and make the UK a greener, more beautiful place.
The Scottish Rock Garden Club was founded in Edinburgh in 1933 by a small group of enthusiasts who were interested in promoting the cultivation of alpine and rock garden plants. Originally formed to host meetings and shows, through the years the SRGC added a journal and conferences along with the international seed exchange.
Now a registered charity the Club has grown with thousands of enthusiastic members in 38 countries all around the world. The SRGC is the largest horticultural society in Scotland and considered by many to be the friendliest and most accessible in the World. The SRGC supports local Groups in many parts of Scotland and the North of England and is always open to helping form new groups.
The main remit of the SRGC is to spread the word and share the fascination for the plants at every level of expertise catering for all from the absolute beginner and the world’s top professionals at the same time.