The government has allocated £2.3 million in compensation to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) following significant disruptions caused by road construction near its flagship garden in Wisley, which led to what has been described as a “three-year traffic jam.”
The RHS, a charitable organization focused on horticulture, reported a staggering £13 million loss attributed to the road upgrades on the A3 and M25, which resulted in a decrease of 350,000 annual visitors to the garden. Alan Titchmarsh, the well-known gardener and television host, spearheaded a campaign advocating for financial restitution for the charity.
Clare Matterson, the director general of the RHS, remarked, “It’s fair to say we experienced three years of a traffic jam outside our primary garden.” She characterized the compensation process as “exhausting,” expressing a desire for a larger settlement but acknowledging the importance of receiving any amount. “It is what it is, and we move forward. I am thankful we received something,” she added.
Matterson criticized the government’s lack of support for gardening, despite its recognized health benefits which alleviate pressure on the NHS. She highlighted that the total area of private gardens in the UK is three times larger than all national nature reserves combined.
Nonetheless, she expressed optimism regarding the future, particularly since Andy Burnham, the current Prime Minister, is a regular visitor to the RHS Garden Bridgewater. “We know he cherishes Bridgewater. He has shared with me his fond memories of visiting with his family, especially his father, and the significance it holds,” she noted. “Burnham emphasizes pride in local communities and empowerment, so I hope he will consider the importance of gardening.”
The RHS organizes the renowned Chelsea Flower Show, which faced scrutiny this year after losing a major sponsor. Critics accused the event of adopting a “woke” stance due to its emphasis on charitable contributions and eco-friendly garden designs. In an interview with the Guardian, Matterson defended the show passionately for the first time. “Chelsea is our lifeline,” she stated. “Tickets sold out ten days prior to opening this year. It has become a vital national occasion, watched by millions annually.”
She referred to Chelsea as “the Olympics of the horticultural world,” highlighting its success as the charity’s principal fundraising event. “People tend to grumble about anything popular,” she acknowledged.
Looking ahead, the RHS plans to launch an extensive initiative focused on community gardening, encouraging local authorities to allocate unused land for residents interested in cultivating flowers and vegetables. “We conducted a survey revealing that approximately two and a half million individuals are actively engaged in community gardening, while around 13 million expressed interest, which is remarkable,” Matterson said, noting that access to land remains a significant obstacle.
Personally involved in a community garden in Suffolk, Matterson described its inclusive atmosphere. “Not everyone who participates enjoys the physical act of gardening. Some prefer crafting, like making bird boxes, while others simply come to socialize,” she explained.
She hopes that Burnham’s advocacy for local pride will ignite a community gardening movement. “Community gardening should be a priority for this nation,” she asserted. “It enhances health and wellbeing and allows communities to create meaningful change. The investment required is minimal, but the potential benefits are immense.”
Another initiative she is leading aims to incorporate gardens into NHS hospital environments, providing tranquility and comfort for patients, families, and staff. “Hospitals that have implemented gardens report improved staff retention rates and enhanced morale,” she noted. “For visitors of seriously ill relatives, having access to a garden can make a significant difference.”
Addressing the historical perception of gardening organizations like the RHS as elitist, Matterson is committed to fostering inclusivity within the RHS. The charity plans to host an urban gardening show in Bristol next year, concentrating on potted plants, small spaces, and balcony gardens. “Who is gardening for in the 21st century?” she posed. “Is it reserved for a select few, or is it accessible to everyone? This is the dialogue we are having within the organization. Our strategy now focuses on how to make horticulture available to the broadest audience possible.”
