Royal Horticultural Society - the benefits of joining

The Royal Horticultural Society, is the UK's leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Their goal is to help people share a passion for plants and to encourage excellence in horticulture. It's a goal which has been steadfast since the RHS was founded in 1804.

The RHS is committed to bringing the personal and social benefits of growing plants to as wide an audience, of all ages, as possible. They promote biodiversity and the creation of wildlife habitats in our gardens and provide expert gardening advice. The RHS also produce a range of publications - in addition to their highly successful website - as well as creating opportunities for children to grow plants and to interact with their environment. The education and training of gardeners, at all levels of experience, is another important facet of their role.

The RHS Lindley Library is the world's foremost horticultural library with a comprehensive collection of horticultural literature from the 16th century to the present day. There are also libraries at the four RHS Gardens at Wisley, Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor.

The RHS do not receive government grants so have to rely on members’ subscriptions, donations and sponsorship to supplement their income and enable them to continue their vital work.

Broadcaster and writer Sandi Toksvig, presenter of BBC Radio 4's 'Excess Baggage', is a keen RHS member (pictured left).

"My garden would be much the worse for wear if I wasn't an RHS member - knowing that my mistakes can be put right through a quick call to the RHS advice team is wonderfully reassuring." Sandi told Reckless. "Their gardening experts are always on hand to offer green ideas and scientific know-how, while the reduced rate tickets and privileged entry to the flower shows, including Chelsea, is a lovely treat. But it's not just about my garden; the RHS helps everyone to experience the wonders of gardening; from seasoned professionals to children planting seeds for the first time and I'm really proud to be supporting such a great charity by being a member."

Becoming a member of the RHS is a tangible way you can help. An interest in gardening is all you need and with membership comes a range of privileges which will inspire you with gardening ideas, advice and the opportunities to really get the most out of your gardening.

Membership enables you to gain free entry into the four RHS gardens and additionally, free access to over 140 inspirational gardens throughout the UK. You get privileged entry, on special members' days, to RHS Flowers shows including Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace. Each member receives the monthly magazine 'The Garden' and membership also enables access to a special members section on the RHS website. The membership area allows you to manage your membership as well as accessing an extended plant range in the RHS Plant Selector.

Membership costs £46.00 per annum or £68.00 for a Garden Explorer Family Membership. There are also special rates for the under 25s and Life Membership is also available. Membership also makes an excellent gift at £47.00 - log onto the RHS website for further information and/or to join.

Over the next few months we will be highlighting different aspects of the work of the RHS and the valuable contribution they make to the horticultural life of the UK.

Reckless Competition!! Win a Year's RHS membership!

Competition now closed - sorry! The winner was G Millard Sheffield.