RHS: A Nation in Bloom

This book explores the history, passion and practice of the RHS, the world-famous British gardening club, which has shaped our gardens and the way we manage them since the society began in 1804.

With a foreword by Alan Titchmarsh, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of the Royal Horticultural Society, the perhaps the foremost gardening institution in the world.

The RHS is theworld's largest gardening charity but what it does and why is little understood and rarely celebrated. From defining new gardening trends at the Chelsea Flower Show, to ranking the best dahlias to grow at the Wisley trial grounds, to inspiring communities with Britain in Bloom, educating children to grow and eat their veg through theCampaign for School Gardening, theRHS works tirelessly to improve the gardener's lot. 

With the use ofevocative archive images andcontemporary photos by award-winning Jason Ingram, this beautiful book explores the past, present and future of this most influential organisation by listening to the voices of those working today. Gardening expert and regular Gardener's Question Time panellistMatthew Biggs tells this story inrich and intimate detail, from the society's origins at the start of the 19th Century right through to the present day, withfascinating insight into the evolution and operations of the RHS throughout the years.

From thethousands of volunteers in the society's five unique gardens (Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex, Harlow Carr in Yorkshire and new addition Bridgewater in Salford), to theone million visitors to its inspirational flower shows (including Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton Park, Cardiff, Wisley and Chatsworth); the society gives meaning to more than 475,000 members, millions of television viewers and visitors from around the world. 

The RHS is thebest of gardening, and this book presents the best of the RHS. Behind the scenes, access all areasthis book will give lasting pleasure to anyone who enjoys their garden.