Objectives

In the 21st century, control over the craft is neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, the Company pursues three main objectives. To:

1 Promote the art and practice of good gardening throughout the country, and especially in the London area. Further, to encourage and support educational establishments which are centres of horticultural excellence.

2 Support charitable activities connected with horticulture or with the City of London. The Company does not benefit from large endowments and has never owned property. The Charitable Fund is therefore limited and largely dependent upon the generosity of its Liverymen and Freemen (the members of the Company) who are expected to contribute to the Fund as a condition of membership.

3 Promote the fellowship of gardening by introducing new members to the Company and to beautify the City of London and elsewhere by encouraging the display of flowers and foliage wherever and whenever possible. There is a wide knowledge of gardening and horticulture within the Company which can be drawn upon as practical support for new projects.

Vote of Thanks: Vice President Richard Gage

10th May 2016

Our speaker, Rod Petty, gave a lively and interesting talk on the history of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners and on Livery Clubs generally.
The Company has been in existence in one guise or another, much politicking in the C17th, since its formation in the C14th until being finally granted Livery status in 1891.
Membership, along with many of the Livery Clubs, diminished during the Industrial Revolution but now stands at about 300 Members and 150 Freemen.
Its role today is mainly charitable and the majority of the members are actively involved in gardening, horticulture etc.