Environmental projects

Studying our environment

These are some of the projects in which the RHS scientists are involved, to learn more about our climate and to encourage sustainability:

Improving water management in RHS gardens, domestic gardens and the wider horticultural community
Ecosystem services delivery by urban hedges
Understanding the contribution of various types of plants to aerial cooling in dry and hot weather
An experimental assessment of the long-term effects of applying different forms of organic matter on soil quality.
Assessing the performance of composted green waste as a substrate for green roofs (WRAP contract).
Optimising water use in containers with bedding plants
Quality of Life in Cities: The role of private urban gardens in sustainable development.
Effect of turning and vessel type on compost temperature
An assessment of the suitability of home-produced green compost as a potting soil
Improving gardeners’ understanding of water management in peat and peat-free multi-purpose growing media
Root pruning as a tool to improve establishment of shrubs and trees
The effects of waterlogging on Mediterranean species and its implications for UK gardens
An experimental assessment of the lime tolerance of several rhododendron cultivars
Is foliage dieback in Leyland cypress caused by an aphid Cinara cupressivora?
How gardeners can mitigate adverse effects of climate change through tree planting choices

Science

With your support, we can undertake valuable research into gardening pests and diseases.

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.