Fulham Horticultural Society Marks its 100th Anniversary
A big gardening show will be the centrepiece of events to celebrate as Fulham Horticultural Society reaches a milestone year
Fulham Horticultural Society (FHS) is celebrating its 100th birthday with a big community gardening show on Saturday, 7th September. The event, at St Etheldreda’s Church on Fulham Palace Road from 2:30-4:30pm, is set to bring some gardening excitement to the borough.
Founded in 1924, FHS started just after the First World War when London was still recovering. Local garden enthusiasts wanted to bring people together through gardening, and that spirit is still going strong.
The centenary show will feature beautiful flowers, colourful fruits and veggies, and garden-inspired arts and crafts. It’s open to everyone, from total beginners to experienced gardeners, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
“Gardening is absolutely vital,” says Eddie Robinson, chair of FHS. “When people have stressful jobs and lives, we have to translate today’s problems to similar problems in the past. Gardening is a lifeblood in that sense.”
The Fulham Palace Meadows Allotments Association, a key part of the community since it was given to locals by the Bishop of London in 1916, is still a beloved green space. These 15-acre allotments were crucial during both World Wars and continue to be a cherished haven for local gardeners.
Robinson, who used to be a construction engineer, found peace in gardening after moving to London from rural Yorkshire. He started with an allotment in 2001 and got involved with FHS, eventually becoming chair in 2007. Robinson and other members are eager to promote gardening as an enjoyable hobby for everyone.
Nicole Coleman, honorary secretary of FHS, loves the community feel of the society. “FHS creates a real sense of community because people are here for each other if they need help or advice,” she says. “It’s also a very international community, so we’ll have people coming to the show with vegetables we’ve never seen before.”
Over the years, FHS has showcased a diverse array of homegrown produce, reflecting the multicultural nature of the community. Historical documents reveal the society’s long-standing tradition of hosting engaging and varied events, including a Chrysanthemum, Horticultural and Hamster Show in 1969 and multiple shows in 1975.
FHS is connected with the Royal Horticultural Society and the National Vegetable Society, giving local gardeners a chance to show off their hard work.
The centenary celebrations don’t stop with the gardening show. On Sunday, 8 September, FHS will join the annual Chillifest at Fulham Palace. This event, from 11am to 3pm, will have live music, stalls, a chilli eating contest, and a salsa workshop with local music group Banda Bomba.
“The FHS annual show and Chillifest event are a fantastic celebration of our 100th anniversary,” Robinson says. “We’d love to welcome people from across the borough and beyond to take part in showing, or simply to come along and enjoy themselves at these free community events. It will be a weekend to remember.”
Visit Fulham Horticultural Society’s website for more information.
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