The Royal Horticultural Society was founded in 1804 as the London Horticultural Society, and gained its present name in a Royal Charter granted in 1861 by Prince Albert. It exists to promote gardening and horticulture in Britain and Europe. This is done through a series of flower shows and through many model gardens that are open to the public.
The RHS has four flagship gardens in England: Wisley Garden, near the village of Wisley in Surrey, Rosemoor in Devon, Hyde Hall in Essex and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire. The most famous of the RHS's flower shows is the annual Chelsea Flower Show, but it also organizes two others: at Hampton Court and Tatton Park in Cheshire.
The RHS operates the Britain in Bloom competition.
The RHS is custodian of the Lindley Library , housed within its headquarters at 80 Vincent Square, London, and in branches at each of its four gardens. The library is based upon the book collection of John Lindley.
The RHS celebrated its bicentenary in 2004.
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