Scotland’s National Horticultural & Gardening Society
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society has a long and impressive history. Established in 1809 by a group of seventeen Edinburgh worthies for ‘the encouragement and improvement of the best fruit, the most choice flowers and the most useful culinary vegetables‘, the Society has continued to promote all aspects of Scottish horticulture. Current members of the Society, many of whom are experts in their field, share a common interest in gardening and horticulture.
As a registered Scottish Charity, the Society seeks to promote, encourage and support a wide range of horticultural and gardening interests, including a range of educational projects.
Whilst we cherish our history, the Society strives to maintain a modern outlook, helping to promote horticulture to the next generation of gardeners and horticulturists.
Get involved!
Saughton Park Bandstand
Saughton Park
The Caley now has a new home within Saughton Park in Edinburgh. We have an office and maintain a number of areas within the walled garden. We also have a teaching area and demonstration beds that feature ideas that you can transfer to your own garden. We offer a range of classes and workshops, both for the beginner and the more experienced gardener.
Spring Bulb Show
The Caley holds an annual Spring Bulb Show that is open to all. This is a fun event with a variety of categories to enter. So, if you are an experienced exhibitor, are just starting out in your competition career or simply want to look at some beautiful blooms, why not come along?
Caley Awards
The Caley presents a range of awards to recognise contributions to Scottish horticulture. Nominations for awards to be presented in 2022 are now open.
Caley Videos
Check out our video library. Here you will find gardening hints & tips, guided tours and much more.
Virtual Flowers Shows
All of the shows can be viewed on our Virtual Flower Show page. Thank you to our fantastic video editor, Pam Whittle, for all of her hard work.
Grow & Learn Awards
The Caley’s flagship award, recognising individual progress and achievement, in horticulture. Our awards are inclusive, individualised and offer life skills based education for all.
Contact caleygrowandlearn@gmail.com to find out more.
Grow & Learn in Nature (GLiN) Award
A project-based award, helping you to make your outdoor space more nature friendly. An award that can be achieved at a gardening project, at home, on a balcony or sunny window ledge.
Contact caleygrowandlearn@gmail.com to find out more.
Gardening with Children
Gardening is a great way to get children outdoors and to develop an interest in nature and the environment. Growing and picking their own fruit and veg is a great way to encourage children to eat more of them.
For more advice on gardening with children and some fun activities, click below to go to our Gardening with Children page.
Plants in Season
There is always a plant of interest to look out for in Scotland. Whether it be for its flowers, fruits, foliage or interesting shape, there is a plant for every season.
Cowden Castle Japanese Garden
Caley Recommendations
Looking for gardens to visit? The nurseries recommended by the Members of the Society? Or the plants recommended for Scottish gardens? Visit The Caley Recommendations page by clicking the button below.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) updates
Whilst the Scottish Government has recently moved us out of the levels system for restrictions, Edinburgh Council still has some restrictions in place covering the use of its buildings and greenspaces. We are not yet back to “normal” working but are offering a range of outdoor events and activities where we are able to. All up-to-date information will be on the website and will also be posted on our Facebook page.
To keep up to date about our activities, make sure you sign up for the e-newsletter and updates.
