The Royal Horticultural Society is calling on people in the South West to help grow its archives.
As the UK marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Festival of Britain, which inspired a post-war gardening revival and the creation of public green spaces, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is appealing to people in the South West for photographs, postcards, leaflets, and personal memories from the era.
These items will be added to the charity’s archives documenting the festival’s horticultural legacy, which saw an estimated 1,600 green spaces across the country permanently enhanced.
Fiona Davison, RHS head of libraries, said: "The RHS Lindley Library tells the story of gardening in the UK through a treasure trove of items collected over its 200 years, but stretching back many more.
"We want to ensure that this history reflects the gardens and events inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain that played an important part in ushering in a public garden revival, many of which are still benefiting local communities today."
The society is particularly interested in material documenting displays created in private gardens, upgraded public green spaces, and horticultural events from that year.
Contributions will be added to the RHS archives, which already include significant horticultural items and correspondence.
To contribute to the project, members of the public can email festivalofbritain@rhs.org.uk.
More information is available on the RHS website.
The public can also explore the RHS library collections online to learn more about the UK’s gardening heritage.
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