Inspiring everyone to grow
Gardening is good for you – yet many people don't do it. Ian Thomson explains how the RHS is hoping to get us all growing
What does this target mean?
‘We fundamentally know that gardening is a fantastic thing to do, and we have reams of evidence that there are multiple benefits for us and the environment. We want to show those benefits to as wide and as diverse a range of people as possible, so they too can join us in our gardening journey.
‘We have the opportunity to bring the benefits of gardening to all UK communities regardless of age, ethnicity and disibility. We are not spreading the word about these benefits to a wide enough audience - I hope the new strategy will help us make a positive change.’
We want to show the benefits of gardening to as wide and as diverse a range of people as possible
What is the RHS already doing to meet this target?
‘We are investing more in our campaigns to non-member audiences, and we’re starting to reach a much larger swathe of the population. Through our work we can ensure we are talking to a larger and more diverse audience of gardeners and potential gardeners, so they can learn about gardening and what the RHS does.
‘Our website has around 20 million users and is a broad mouthpiece for what the RHS does. Focusing on wellbeing and positive physical benefits of gardening will have a major impact on spreading our message. And of course we have ongoing scientific research studying the wellbeing benefits of gardens and gardening.
‘We already have RHS community teams working with a number of hospitals, schools and community groups up and down the country to embed gardening and increase the network of gardeners in their own sites. This is helping to develop an ‘on the ground’ RHS presence that will have a positive impact on staff, visitors and wider communities. We’ve seen how this is even more important since Covid and how gardening has helped so many people through the various stresses and strains of the pandemic.
‘It's important that we speak to the UK’s 30 million gardeners, and let them know the RHS can help make community connections for them. This could be volunteering, seed sharing or just connecting with like-minded people so they can help each other out. We can help them join a Britain in Bloom or It’s Your Neighbourhood group as seamlessly as possible.’
What will the RHS do next to meet this target?
‘In order for us to create this rallying cry for 30 million gardeners to garden in a sustainable way we need to invest in sharing our new research and initiatives more widely, and demonstrate that we are an accessible organisation for everyone.’
Why should gardeners care about this?
‘Some gardeners will already be aware of the power of gardening for wellbeing, mental, social and physical health – that’s why a lot of them do it. However, some people may have never considered that gardening can help or be a potential solution for improving their wellbeing.
‘A really important question is why should non-gardeners care? The RHS is doing a lot to explain and bang the drum for gardening and we hope people can engage with us and read about the evidence that gardening is great for wellbeing, engagement with community, making lives better and making people feel happier and healthier.’
See also:
- Community gardening
- Britain in Bloom
- It’s Your Neighbourhood
- Campaign for School Gardening
- RHS bursaries and grants
- RHS Flourish Fund
