Politicians and personalities from the garden industry came together at a Parliamentary Reception to debate the important role that horticulture plays in the modern-day world.
The reception at the House of Lords was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group and sponsored by Westland Horticulture, the HTA, the RHS and the British Association of Landscaper Industries.
One of the main themes of the event was the need to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government to unlock horticulture’s full potential.
In his address to the reception, Boyd Douglas-Davis said: “Environmental horticulture is a subject that transcends party lines, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished and diverse audience.
Whilst gardens have existed since the start of time, the world of Environmental Horticulture is a much newer phenomenon. Ninety‑eight years ago, the very first National Garden Scheme garden opened its gates and welcomed the public in, beginning a tradition of community engagement. Seventy years ago, the first garden centre — Stewarts Garden Centre — opened its doors, changing how the public accessed plants and gardening knowledge. And I am delighted to offer congratulations to Martin Stewart, who is here with his daughter Amy, as part of that proud legacy.
“Most recently, just five years ago, the nation discovered an all‑time high interest in Environmental Horticulture and all that it entails. These milestones remind us that our sector is rooted in history, yet constantly evolving to meet the needs of the present and future. The Environmental Horticulture Group was created to raise awareness of the vital role our sector plays in the health of our environment, our communities, and our economy. Our purpose is to encourage closer collaboration between industry and government, so that together we can unlock horticulture’s full potential.”
Boyd added that the Environmental Horticulture Group launched its Mission Green Growth report with three clear recommendations:
He said: “Your engagement and support will be crucial in helping us deliver the benefits that horticulture can bring to the nation. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit not only a greener country, but a stronger and more resilient one.”
Life peer Baroness Fookes (pictured right) told the reception: “Health and wellbeing aspects of horticulture are well established. Need to be better seen as careers for young people. Challenging for small enterprises in the industry to get government help and interest, but that is changing as they have come together in recent years.”
Emma Hardy MP commented: “Gardening and horticulture is key to helping government achieve net zero ambitions. Gardens are playing an important role. Pressure on water system is skyrocketing. Water security is a key concern, and is part of the governments Environmental Improvement Plan reducing water demand to make better use of this valuable resource. Promote water recycling and reuse through grey-water.
“Undertaken a review of building regulations and committed to increasing sustainable drainage systems to make communities more resilient to climate change.
“Urgent repair of leaks in the existing supply system and deliver new supply infrastructure. We have invested £104 billion in nine new reservoir projects to more successfully manage dry weather. We have founded an Independent Water Commission with one water regulator.”
TV gardener Adam Frost shared his experience in gardening, working in parks, then going to train with Geoff Hamilton, who he credited as ‘setting his moral compass’, who embraced peat-free and measures to prevent despoliation of the environment long before any others.
Adam urged decision makers to sit in a garden designed for wellbeing, and experience the power of horticulture and how it can help power the planet. Horticulture nails every part of that, and should be taken more seriously, he said.
