RHS membership

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by clanless, Jul 27, 2018.

  1. Mike Allen

    Mike Allen Total Gardener

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    I understand that for several years now, the society has been aware of the feelings of gardeners in the northern areas. There has always been such vast numbers of very keen and experienced gardeners there. Perhaps, I don't know but I can imagine the feelings of some eg; Why pay for membership when I am limited to taking part etc. I fully support the society in such ventures.
     
  2. Loofah

    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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    The magazine I can very happily skim through but to be honest I find the writing incredibly dry and stuffy. It has improved and underwent a 'revamp' although you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference.
    The gardens are all great and as I have a small family we can pop over to Wisley whenever we like to kill some time; the kids run about and we get coffee and expensive cake (take a flask and sandwich as mentioned!). They've invested heavily in Wisley which is having extensive works done at the moment and the new garden RHS Garden Bridgewater will become the fifth garden in the RHS portfolio / RHS Gardening is another demonstration of their commitment to horticulture.
    It IS more snobby than going to a communal park but frankly I don't mind that. I've never found it to be overly so or had any looks down the nose so to speak. They have quality gardens that are educational and inspirational so happy to pay for that :)
     
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    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

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      So it's now July 2019 and I agree with all that GC members have mentioned. Without doubt the RHS is a worlwide recognised authority on all aspects of horticulture. As a registered charity, it is always holding out the begging bowl. I pay my annual subs via direct debit plus a monthly contribution. To me, this is a small token of my appreciation to the Society for the grand work they do, and the teaching side.

      Even to members, very little is known about the RHS scientific departments.

      Communication between members and the society, really is junior school level. A couple still bug me. I once wrote and requested, the cost of becoming a life fellow. I think the reply stated £1000 I replied, but I have been a fellow/member for the past fortitwo years. No reply. Then about a year or two ago. I received an email. Dear Member. On behalf of the RHS we are so pleased that you you have enjoyed your membership of the past five years. I did reply. Read my lips.

      The monthly journal is good when featuring a two page spread of individual plants. The boredom comes when reading issue after issue so & so's page. I often ask myself. Do these contibutors get paid??????????

      Back now to the snobby bits. So so sad but. Over the years the society has become very much. 'The Club' much resembling the masters and the peasants. As I see it, lot's of brown nosing.

      Will it change. I doubt it. Never mind. perhaps the day will come, when you plant a spud and get an orchid. Enjoy what you have.
       
    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      What would you like to know about the scientific depts Mike? Unless people have the direct need for them then I'm not sure why anyone would know. It's not like saying 'Hi there, as you're a member please come and play in the science lab'; it's a specialist service or aspect of the RHS, not mainstream. My friend is a landscaper and he regularly used them to analyse 'stuff'.

      The magazine is their way of communicating with the members; although it's usually dull as dishwater it has the calendar and pieces on all the gardens and what the RHS as a whole are up to.

      I have never ever found the RHS to be snobby, quite the opposite as I found them to be open and inviting to anyone but that's my experience...
       
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