ISHS Acta Horticulturae 105: Symposium on Horticulture for the People, XX IHC
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND THE COMMUNITY |
| Author: | C.D. Brickell |
| Abstract:
We at this Congress take it for granted that people could not exist without plants, the bases of all food chains but for the majority of mankind plants are merely useful adjuncts to their daily lives, providing food, drink or clothing as required, but otherwise of no particular importance. The Congress symposium Horticulture for the People has emphasised in a variety of ways - and by a variety of means - the interdependence of people with plants. We can readily put into perspective the economic importance of growing fruit and vegetables, of using plants in medicine, for clothing or any of the other necessities of human existence but it is less easy for us and those who control the purse strings to appreciate the less tangible aesthetic and spiritual needs of people for plants. There is, however, an innate desire in people to grow plants and this is crystallised in the formation of Horticultural Societies, Garden Clubs or their equivalents. Inevitably they vary greatly in size and character throughout the world. In Britain they may only amount to village gatherings of 10 or 20 people who come together through an interest in their gardens or allotments - often one cynically suspects to obtain group discount rates on fertilisers and other goods! They may be very very large societies organised on a regional basis and with a diverse range of horticultural interests; or they may be enthusiasts for an individual genus or group of plants, examples in Britain being the Rose, Chrysanthemum, Delphinium and Alpine Garden Societies some of whose members occasionally appear slightly deranged when discussing - or more usually arguing about - their favourite plant or plants. Whatever their status they are important as they form strong focal points for horticulture within communities and quite frequently also at national and international level. These societies are extremely valuable as an integral part of our life style and it is at this level, in my view, that an interest in plants and horticulture needs to be fostered so that more and more people become aware of the importance of plants in our lives. It does not matter whether they start by growing a few succulents on a windowsill or exhibiting parsnips or dahlias at the village show - the important thing is to get them involved with wanting to grow plants. Economically it is common sense to encourage people to grow and want plants for their gardens and homes but many of us also believe that economic necessity is only one reason for stimulating an interest in growing plants. Apart from the importance of the appeal to the aesthetic senses which has | |
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