When the Society was founded it was aware of the increasing number of plants being lost to cultivation and so it included in its constitution a commitment to conserve lesser-known hardy perennials. To fulfil this commitment it put in place the Conservation Scheme which was re-launched in Autumn 1999.
The current scheme is aimed at preserving older, rarer or unfashionable perennial plants that are hardy within the UK. It also ensures that the knowledge of how to grow the plants successfully is not lost, and can be of use, interest and enjoyment to HPS members and others.
The scheme is thriving with members around the country growing around 100 different hardy plants which are not widely available. Some are no longer listed in the RHS Plant Finder and many are only supplied by a few specialist nurseries. The scheme will enable these plants to be brought back into wider cultivation.
Interested in taking part? Here's how to:
Not an HPS Member? First you need to join the HPS. Once a member you can then join the scheme as an individual member or via your local group.
Already an HPS Member? If you belong to a local group then contact your local group conservation scheme coordinator or a member of your local group committee. If your local group is not taking part or you do not belong to a local group then contact the HPS Administrator for further details.
