911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Societies

Our Affiliated Societies champion the benefits of gardening among their members and in their communities

Join the 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Societies

Any gardening club, allotment association, flower arranging society, friends of a garden or community gardening group can become an 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Society. Groups can access a range of 911±¬ÁÏ benefits to inspire their members and build connections with other societies to share gardening knowledge.

Apply today

Membership and other benefits

It costs just £47 annually (£57 for overseas groups) to affiliate with the 911±¬ÁÏ, for which your society or group receives the following benefits:

  • An annual free visit to one of our five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens for up to 55 members (excluding 911±¬ÁÏ Glow and 911±¬ÁÏ Flower Shows)
  • 50% discount card for 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens for use by up to two members at a time
  • 911±¬ÁÏ Recognition Certificate to award to a group member who deserves special appreciation

  • Prestigious Banksian medal to award at your annual show
  • Downloadable show stationery
  • Invitation to our Affiliated Society Forums
  • Free gardening advice from dedicated 911±¬ÁÏ plant specialists
  • Access to our group Facebook page, information pack and judges and speakers list
  • Monthly copy of The Garden magazine
  • Access to competitively priced Public Liability insurance, Trustees insurance and Sheds, Equipment and Trophies insurance (available at separate cost)
  • Special Affiliated Society rate tickets for selected 911±¬ÁÏ Flower Shows

History of the 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Societies

Membership has a long heritage, with the first regional gardening groups connecting with the Horticultural Society of London (now the 911±¬ÁÏ) 150 years ago. This was initiated by Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke who put forward a plan for there to be a union between the 911±¬ÁÏ and the various provincial societies.

During wartime Britain, more groups joined (especially those involved with wartime food production) and today there are 2,500 societies across the UK and overseas who are all actively championing the benefits of gardening in their communities, helping more people to develop a love of plants and being outdoors.

What is the Banksian medal?

Banksian medal

In 1820 the Banksian medal was instituted in honour of Sir Joseph Banks, one of the founders of the 911±¬ÁÏ. Initially it was awarded to exhibitors of objects bought to general meetings but, by the late nineteenth century, was given to societies for distribution at their local exhibitions.

Today, 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Societies who hold an annual show receive a replica of the original Banksian medal, which is awarded to the person who receives the most points in a show’s horticultural classes – fruit, flowers and vegetables.

Become an 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Society

Group visits for 911±¬ÁÏ Affiliated Societies

Plan a visit to an 911±¬ÁÏ Garden with your affiliated society.

Get in touch

911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ 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.