How To Get The Most From Your RHS Membership

If you’re passionate about gardening or simply enjoy visiting beautiful gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) membership is an absolute treasure trove of benefits. Beyond the serene beauty of the RHS gardens, a membership opens doors to exclusive offers, discounts, and access to a network of partner gardens. Here’s how to make the most of your RHS membership to truly enjoy everything it has to offer.

1. Explore RHS Gardens for Free

With an RHS membership, you get free entry to five stunning RHS gardens across the UK. Whether you’re a fan of classic, traditional gardens or modern, cutting-edge horticulture, there’s something for everyone:

• RHS Wisley: A renowned treasure trove of plants, from rock gardens to tropical displays.

• RHS Rosemoor: A beautiful garden set in the Devon countryside, offering a combination of woodland and formal areas.

• RHS Hyde Hall: Located in Essex, this garden offers innovative displays that change with the seasons.

• RHS Harlow Carr: A charming Yorkshire garden with a focus on sustainable gardening and natural beauty.

• RHS Bridgewater: A brand new gem in Salford, offering an expansive layout with a mix of modern horticulture.

Your membership ensures free and unlimited entry to these gardens throughout the year, allowing you to revisit them in different seasons and explore their seasonal changes and unique features. Take full advantage of this access to immerse yourself in horticultural inspiration.

2. Bring a Guest for Free

One of the best aspects of the RHS membership is the ability to share your experience with a friend or family member. Each membership allows you to bring a guest for free to the RHS gardens, making it a perfect outing for couples, families, or friends who enjoy spending time together in nature. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon visit to Wisley or a full day of exploration at Rosemoor, your guests can enjoy the gardens with you without any additional cost

1. Free Guest Offer: The RHS membership allows a free guest entry at RHS gardens but not at partner gardens. However, the free guest offer applies only to individual membership types and not to joint memberships. For joint membership, only the primary member benefits from this perk, and the secondary member would need to pay for entry.

2. Free Garden Access: The free entry to partner gardens applies to both individual and joint memberships. However, for joint membership, only the main member receives free access, and the secondary member will need to pay. Additionally, this benefit is sometimes only available during specific times of the year, so it’s important to check with individual gardens for up-to-date information. For example, some gardens like Trentham Gardens offer free entry from January to March, but these details can vary across different locations.

If you’re considering a joint membership but plan to visit many partner gardens, two individual memberships might offer more flexibility. Be sure to check the specific partner garden’s details as these perks might be limited to off-peak times.

3. Access Over 220 Partner Gardens Nationwide

A lesser-known but incredibly valuable perk of RHS membership is the access to over 220 partner gardens. From small, independent gardens to grand estates, the RHS membership gives you complimentary entry to these beautiful locations all around the UK. While this offer is available for individual members and the primary member on joint memberships, you’ll be able to enjoy these gardens as often as you like.

This extensive network of gardens includes some remarkable sites that you might not have discovered otherwise. Whether you’re planning a special trip or looking for a nearby escape, there’s always a beautiful garden to explore. Remember, however, that guest entry is not included in the partner garden access, so you’ll need to check specific entry guidelines before bringing along a friend.

4. Use Your Discounts Wisely

Aside from free garden visits, RHS members enjoy exclusive discounts on a range of services. You can save on everything from gardening tools and plants to event tickets and gardening books. The RHS often runs special promotions for members, including discounts at partner garden centres and shops. Stay informed on the latest offers by checking the RHS website regularly or subscribing to their newsletters.

Additionally, take advantage of the collaboration between the RHS and loyalty programs like Tesco Club-card. If you’re a Tesco Club-card member, you can redeem your points for a voucher to reduce the cost of your RHS membership—providing even more value for your gardening passion.

5. Make the Most of RHS Events

Being an RHS member also gives you access to exclusive events and horticultural shows, like the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show. These events are often packed with world-class garden designs and cutting-edge horticultural innovations, offering members a chance to get a first look at new trends and learn from industry experts.

RHS members are also offered advanced ticket sales and exclusive discounts on event entries, giving you priority access to some of the most anticipated gardening events in the UK.

6. Educational Resources and Gardening Advice

With your membership, you gain access to a wealth of gardening advice, from how-to articles and videos to expert tips on growing specific plants. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener, the RHS is a great resource for deepening your knowledge. If you’re looking to solve specific garden challenges or seek advice on the latest gardening trends, the RHS provides numerous tools and resources to help you improve your gardening skills.

7. Support Gardening Charities and Education

RHS membership doesn’t just benefit you—it also supports the organisation’s vital work in gardening education, conservation, and community projects. Your membership fee contributes to programs that help schools, community groups, and horticultural research initiatives, making it a way to give back to the gardening community.