About us
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (The Caley) is Scotland’s national horticultural and gardening society focusing on growing in Scottish conditions.
Members include both amateur and professional, generalists, specialists and many others who simply like gardens and gardening.
Our aims are to encourage and improve the science, art and practice of all types of horticulture and to advance education in gardening and horticulture for everyone.
History
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society was established in 1809 by a group of seventeen Edinburgh worthies who met at the Royal College of Physicians. The outcome was the establishment of a Society for the ‘encouragement and improvement of the best fruit, the most choice flowers and most useful culinary vegetables’.
Since the beginning, the Society has welcomed skilled professionals, amateurs, nurserymen and professional gardeners.
In the early days, as it is now, the activities of the Society were focused on a mix of the theoretical and the practical sides of gardening and horticulture; medals and certificates were awarded and shows were held.
We believe sharing knowledge and experience is important.
Structure and Governance
We are a registered charity and additionally incorporated and governed by a Royal Charter and by Bye-Laws. The Society’s original charter was awarded in 1824. The Society was granted the accolade ‘Royal’ (with a designated Royal Patron) in 1838.
The Bye-laws are approved by members, giving all members an important role in the current and future direction of the society.
The Council has overall responsibility for the organisation, provides strategic direction and is responsible for monitoring delivery
Activities are currently supported by a part time Administrator and a part-time Horticultural Educator as well as Caley members.
The Council is made up of a President, Vice Presidents and elected members.
Awards
The Society issues prestigious awards, medals and certificates of merit in recognition of the achievements of professional horticulturalists, nurserymen, gardeners and amateur gardeners.
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