For many years, and from an office in Peterborough, the editorial team of The Garden–the magazine for the Royal Horticultural Society–has put together one of the leading international publications about plants, gardens and gardening. It is a tall order and one that I, and the team, relish.
The role of working on The Garden is divided into two. The first is the professional task of ensuring our vision for an article is realised ‘on page’ and that it meets the needs of the members (gardeners). Is it correct? Does it read well? How does it look? Reading the thousands of words each month can be challenging, but the demand for accurate and timely information never leaves our minds. The second, more personal view, is the joy that revelling in your passion can bring. For many of those who work, and have worked, on The Garden, gardening is a genuine interest. Many of us have been lucky enough to marry our hobby with our day job.
But of course it is a collective contribution that informs our work. Whether the latest findings in the wider horticultural world, or feedback from RHS members and committees, we are never short on topics. So too the ongoing–and ever-expanding–work of the Society. Colleagues across the charity help our work–from advisory services at RHS Garden Wisley to the shows team; from the curatorial staff to scientific findings; from the membership teams to our advertising and production colleagues.
As you may expect, it is for the 400,000-plus RHS members that all this is done. They represent a broad range of interests in gardening, horticulture and garden creation; a vocal, passionate group of people who tell us if they disagree, and praise us when we have done well. I am always grateful for this constant and attentive audience.
Ultimately, The Garden is a magazine to be enjoyed, learned from and sometimes, challenged by; but it should always help readers connect with their gardening interests. Created by a dedicated team, working with superb photographers, illustrators, and some of the world’s leading writers, it is ultimately about sharing the enjoyable art of gardening with members. This splendid book, beautifully edited by Ursula Buchan, helps celebrate not only the written word–but the very breadth of that art.
CHRIS YOUNG, Editor, The Garden magazine