The Royal Horticultural Society today announces a 10 year Strategic Investment Programme of more than £100 million. This will enable the charity to provide even better inspiration and advice for more people, both its members and the British gardening public. The charity will also broaden its appeal and raise the profile and impact of every aspect of horticulture.

With these funds, the RHS will promote and help secure the future of horticulture across the UK for as many people as possible by:

• engaging even more with communities to bring the joy of horticulture and gardening to people, regardless of location and ability
• creating two new inner city gardens for local communities
• searching for and opening a fifth garden for RHS members and visitors, in an area of the country where the RHS isn't currently present
• redeveloping the hilltop area at RHS Garden Wisley to create a new centre for Science, Learning, and Horticultural Events. This third "hub" in the Society's flagship garden will combine modern Science laboratories and a new Herbarium, a Library, additional Learning and catering facilities, as well as an inspiring Living Science Garden
• creating a new Learning Centre at RHS Garden Hyde Hall with a teaching garden
• increasing the number of horticultural apprenticeships offered at RHS Gardens from 8 to 22
• substantially improving the horticulture and infrastructure in the four existing RHS Gardens at Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, Wisley and Harlow Carr through major investment

RHS Director General Sue Biggs said, "This is a landmark moment for the RHS. As a charity we are careful with our funds and invest them when we believe the time is right. We have turned around a trend of declining members and visitors, and today are in a strong position after several years of growth, with membership and garden visitors at an all-time high. After years of planning, we are now confident to make this significant investment and increase our work to further help and inspire the millions of people who garden in the UK today.

"This 10 year Strategic Investment Programme substantially expands the scope of our existing Key Investment Projects (KIPs), to increase our charitable work and support the future of horticulture for years to come. Two years ago we announced our five-year investment plan of 10 KIPs with a budget of £27m, financed by £18m from the sale of the lease of Lawrence Hall and £9m from fundraising. We are now increasing our fundraising target to £20m over the next ten years, with the remaining £80m to come from the RHS.

"We've already made some significant progress with our KIPs, including the recent launch of our new website, new horticultural content at Hyde Hall and the development of designs for the new Learning Centre at Hyde Hall, the redevelopment of Lindley Library & Hall at Vincent Square and the new Science building and entrance and retail facilities at Wisley.

"Our new expanded ten year programme builds on these and will see us investing in projects that will make a real difference. Our intention is to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture; conserve and showcase the nation's rich horticultural heritage and cultural collections; educate children about the importance of horticulture and horticulture careers; transform lives and communities through gardening and make our planet a greener, better and more beautiful place."

Sir Nicholas Bacon, RHS President, comments: "210 years ago our founders changed the face of horticulture forever when they met in a small London bookshop and resolved to start a Society to further the encouragement and improvement of the science, art and practice of horticulture. The commitment we make today is no less momentous and will see us taking their original vision out to more people and places than ever before. The RHS is the strongest it has ever been and, after careful consideration and planning, the Council and I are confident that it is time to look to the future.

"The projects we embark on now will mean we can teach the next generation to love, understand, and care for plants and habitats, in their own gardens and across the country; conduct pioneering scientific research; reach out and change lives in new communities; and conserve, share and celebrate our rich horticultural heritage, art and culture.

"The investments will also ensure we develop sustainable income streams for the RHS and can continue to improve our world through horticulture for generations to come."