The Federation, or GFGS, is a charitable organisation with a current membership of more than 130 clubs and societies. It offers advice, help and support.

Membership is open to all gardening clubs and societies, specialist groups, show groups, allotment associations etc. In fact, membership is open to any group in Gloucestershire or its neighbouring counties with an interest in horticulture at any level.

Individual gardeners are urged to join an affiliated gardening club or society, or to ask their current club to join the Federation.
Click here for a list of current GFGS members.

What is the Cost of Joining?

The current GFGS membership fee is just £10 per annum. However, it is a condition of membership that all clubs and societies have public liability Insurance to protect them in the case of injuries and accidents at their meetings, demonstrations, exhibitions and shows. This can be arranged independantly or through the Federation, which is able to offer Public Liability Insurance and also specialist insurance cover for cups, trophies etc. at competitive rates.

The Federation provides:

• Advice and Support in setting up new clubs
• Advice and help with any problems in running a club
• A list of speakers for meetings
• Lists of judges for shows
• Training for novice judges and refresher courses for existing judges
• Training for Show Stewards
• A regular newsletter
• Visits to Clubs on request
• Promotion of club membership at events such as the Malvern Autumn Show.

A voluntary Executive Committee comprising representatives of member clubs, elected at the Annual General Meeting, meets four times a year to:

• set policies for the Federation
• work on ways to generate more interest in growing and showing
• promote GFGS member societies with the national horticultural arena
• promote competition between local clubs and societies
• organise the Annual General Meeting, which is an opportunity for members of clubs to meet and to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Gardening is one of the most popular pastimes in Britain, something enjoyed by thousands of people. Each one will respond to the pleasure of growing things in a different way, but everyone can derive an enormous benefit from joining a gardening club or specialist society. Perhaps the gardeners are just starting out on a new hobby or they already have a mature interest but need some advice or new ideas. There is something for all gardeners in the societies that form the Gloucestershire Federation of Gardening Societies and I urge you to take advantage of their expertise. the GFGS can help you find a club to suit your needs and we will be very happy to hear from you.

Happy gardening to you all!