Lakeland Horticultural Society
About
The Lakeland Horticultural Society was founded in 1969 with the aim of promoting the science, practice and art of horticulture, particularly with regard to the conditions prevailing in the Lake District. From the original 200 members, membership has grown to about 1600, of whom 250 or so are actively involved in one way or another. Members come from all areas of the UK, with a few from further afield. The largest cohort of members, and most of our volunteers, are from the Cumbria/North Lancashire area. Read about opportunities for volunteering here.
Membership
There are many advantages to being a member of the LHS, not least of which is being part of a large group of friendly people, united by a shared love for Holehird Gardens and the desire to support the continuing work of the LHS there. Members are encouraged to visit Holehird as often as they like, without being asked to pay the suggested £5 visitor donation each time.
Members are able to benefit from the LHS aim of furthering the science, practice and art of horticulture in a number of ways. Two issues of The Lakeland Gardener, a carefully researched, written and illustrated publication, containing articles on a range of horticultural topics, some directly related to Holehird, others more general, are sent to members each year. Three issues of a separate Newsletter containing Society news and details of future events are also distributed.
The Library at Holehird is one of the best-stocked horticultural libraries in the north of England, with approximately 2000 books and 20 journals available for members to read and borrow. Additional resources include a range of digital microscopes, as well as computers and a printer for the use of all members.
LHS members are invited to join a number of garden tours each year. These range from day trips to longer tours in the UK and abroad. Recent examples include tours to West Wales and Yunnan, China.
LHS hosts a series of monthly lectures on a variety of gardening-related topics at the Marchesi Centre in Windermere from October to March each year. These lectures are open to the public but a second series of mini-lectures at Holehird from April to September is offered to LHS members only.
Finally, a range of practical gardening courses is offered at Holehird. LHS members are asked to pay a small administrative fee for attendance on the courses. Non-members may also attend, if places are available, on payment of a higher fee which also includes membership of the LHS.
Details of all lectures and courses may be found in the News & Events section.
Subscriptions
Membership of LHS costs £20 per annum for an individual member, £30 for two people at the same address. The membership year starts on 1 September and subscriptions may be paid by cash, cheque or direct debit. Follow the link to download an application form.
