Our Story – “Gardening for Everyone”

The Society was founded in 1829 and is one of the oldest provincial horticultural societies in the country. It was established for the purpose of creating a greater interest in horticulture amongst the people of Norfolk and Norwich and to disseminate knowledge in such matters.  Now in our 194th year, we are a registered charity with the same aims – to encourage interest in and help with educating people about the benefits of gardening and horticulture.  In April 2019 we launched a new mission – “Gardening for Everyone”.

Founded:

22 October 1829

Founding Officers

President: Edward Lombe, Esq.
Vice-President: Richard Crawshay, Esq.
Treasurer: John Kitson, Esq.
Secretary: Elias Norgate, Esq.

Royal Patron:

In 1864 HRH the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) agreed to become the Society’s first Royal Patron.

The Society has maintained Royal patronage ever since.  Our current patron is HRH the former Prince of Wales who became our Patron on the 1st January 2002.​