RHS prepares to meet future challenges

The RHS announced its new science strategy, at the annual John Macleod Lecture which took place at RHS Lindley Hall on 29 October . The focus of the five-year plan is addressing the horticultural and societal challenges posed by climate change and the impact of new pests and diseases.

The plan will utilise surveillance and research to improve the detection and management of pests, promote more environmentally sound gardening practices and will tap into the on-the-ground-knowledge of the UK’s 27 million gardeners.

RHS Director of Science, Dr Alistair Griffiths said: ‘It is vital that further scientific work is done to evaluate the full potential of the 400,000 different kinds of garden plants in the UK. We’ll be looking at the changes gardeners can make in order to maintain the nation’s cherished gardens while being more eco-friendly, including the sustainable use of energy and water.

For more inforamtion go to the RHS website.