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RHS Garden Wisley
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Members free, non-members £12-£15
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About RHS Garden Wisley
Rhs Garden Wisley stands as the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, the UK's leading gardening charity established in 1804. This magnificent 240-acre garden in Surrey has evolved from humble beginnings into one of the world's premier horticultural destinations, attracting over one million visitors annually. The garden's origins trace back to 1878 when Victorian businessman, scientist, and former Rhs Treasurer George Fergusson Wilson purchased a 60-acre site known as Glebe Farm. Wilson established the 'Oakwood Experimental Garden' on part of this land, with the ambitious goal of successfully cultivating challenging plant species that others had struggled with. His garden became notable for collections of lilies, gentians, Japanese irises, primulas, and water plants, establishing Wisley as a place of horticultural experimentation and innovation from its very foundation. Following Wilson's death in 1902, the garden's future was secured by Sir Thomas Hanbury, renowned for creating the celebrated garden La Mortola on the Italian Riviera. Hanbury acquired Oakwood and the adjacent Glebe Farm, and in 1903, he generously gifted the combined estate to the Rhs. This gift provided the society with a garden location beyond the reach of London's industrial smoke, offering ideal conditions for plant cultivation and experimentation. Since becoming part of the Rhs, Wisley has grown into a diverse and expansive garden featuring numerous formal and informal decorative gardens, several impressive glasshouses, and an extensive arboretum. One of its most significant features is the Trials Garden, where new plant cultivars are rigorously assessed for their garden worthiness. Successful varieties may receive the prestigious Award of Garden Merit, a mark of excellence that helps gardeners identify the best plants for their gardens. The original laboratory, established in 1907 for scientific research and training, was later expanded and its exterior rebuilt during World War I. In 1985, this building was designated a Grade II Listed structure, recognizing its historical significance. In 2007, the Bicentenary Glasshouse was inaugurated, showcasing plants from desert, tropical, and temperate climates in carefully controlled environments. More recently, in 2020, the Rhs opened the National Centre for Horticultural Science and Learning at Wisley, housing state-of-the-art research facilities and a vast collection of horticultural specimens. This centre represents the RHS's commitment to advancing horticultural knowledge and education. Today, Rhs Garden Wisley stands as a testament to the RHS's commitment to horticultural excellence, serving as a hub for education, research, and the pure enjoyment of gardening. The garden continues to inspire and educate visitors while maintaining its role as a centre for plant trials, research, and the promotion of best gardening practices.
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