This morning, the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) hosted a breakfast briefing for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gardening and Horticulture (APPGHG) on the official opening day of the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, welcoming a high-profile group of parliamentarians and leaders. This event presented a significant opportunity to discuss the importance of the UK's environmental horticulture and landscape sector, as well as the key challenges and opportunities relevant to policy considerations.

The meeting, facilitated by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), provided members from both Houses with the opportunity to hear from Clare Matterson OBE, Director General of the RHS, and Boyd Douglas-Davis, Chair of the EHG. The EHG partner organisations are the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the RHS, the Arboricultural Association, and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).

During the meeting, there was a surprise presentation by HTA members Raymond Evison to Baroness Fookes of the Baroness Fookes Clematis. A captivating purple/blue bloom, it is in honour of her being one of the first people to be awarded the new Royal Horticultural Society award, the Elizabeth Medal of Honour, in 2023, presented by His Majesty King Charles III, for all the exceptional work she has done in supporting British Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping, and assisting with parliamentary debates in the House of Lords.

The HTA also includes the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Following the breakfast, attendees were taken to meet some of the association’s members involved in both supplying, planting, and designing gardens, as well as exhibiting in the marquee.

The recent EHG reports, ‘Mission Green Growth’ and its accompanying economic analysis with Oxford Economics, took centre stage, revealing that the environmental horticulture industry has the potential to make significant contributions to the UK economy. By 2030, it could support GDP contributions worth £51.2 billion and create 763,000 jobs, representing a 45% growth opportunity with adequate government support. This is a clear indication of the promising future of the sector. 

The EHG works closely with the government to secure greater support for the sector, including garden centres and their supply chains, public and private gardens, commercial growers and nurseries, arboriculture, and domestic and commercial landscaping.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the HTA, commented: “The EHG calls for the UK government to adopt a collaborative strategy supporting green economic growth, workforce development, sustainable urban spaces, climate resilience, and healthcare integration, positioning horticulture as essential for a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future.

"Chelsea provides a valuable platform and setting to engage parliamentarians and highlight our sector's importance for the economy, the environment, health and wellbeing. The need for understanding and support for key issues discussed today will hopefully ensure a thriving future for our industry. Being able to introduce them to our members involved with the impressive displays provided a valuable opportunity for them to witness firsthand the innovation, diversity, and scale of the UK's horticulture and landscape businesses and engage directly with those driving the industry forward.”

Pictured: Boyd Douglas-Davies speaking at this morning's breakfast briefing.