Links to Useful Resources
You will find information about a wide range of resources for gardeners on these pages. There are links to general information, relevant govenment departments, policy documents and reports. Local and national horticultural societies, discussion groups, messages boards, garden centres and online suppliers are included.
Just click on the headings below.
(If you find any broken links please contact the webmaster.)
General information
Government departments and Local MPs
Horticultural Societies
Discussion groups & Message Boards
Online Guides, Journals and Magazines
Guides, Fact sheets, Policy documents and Reports
Local Garden Centres
Seeds, Plants and Other supplies
General information
Allotment Gardening Guide Royal Horticultural Society guide about finding a plot, clearing the area and working the plot. Links to advice about soil cultivation and crop rotation.
Allotment Growing- General advice about growing vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Allotment Regeneration Initiative An initiative funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to promote regeneration of allotments. The web site contains information about various projects, regeneration initiatives, and access to grants. Most of their publications are available online.
BBC Gardening A wide range of information about gardening programmes, plants, and resources.
Britain in Bloom This is a large horticultural campaign to encourage individuals and communities improve their local area by various measures. It is organised by the RHS. It will be sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements.
Carry on Gardening A special gardening web site from Thrive (the charity that promotes the benefit of gardening for people with a disability).
Hillingdon Adult Education Provides various part-time courses for adults. Details of horticultural courses are also available.
Lawn Experts A specialist site about lawn care.
London Borough of Hillingdon - Greenspaces Provides information about allotments and other green spaces in the borough.
Museum of Garden History Information about the history of gardens and gardening in the UK.
Natural England Promotes conservation of the natural environment and wild life. This web site contains information about developments in rural, urban, costal and marine areas.
National Allotment Gardens Trust The trust aims to promote allotment gardening by organising 'National Allotment Week' and the Best Allotment Site' competition. The competition is in conjunction with Kitchen Garden magazine. There are three categories: Best Allotment Site; Best Community Project; Best Shed.
National Garden Scheme This is a charitable trust that provides access to a wide range of private gardens that are open to the public. The gardens are usually listed in the famous 'Yellow book'.
Plant Heritage A leading plant conservation charity. The website contains a list of all national plant collections.
Government Departments, Local Council and MPS
Communities and Local Government A wide range of information about local developments.
DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
New Local Government Network. They published an interesting document about meeting community demands for allotments 'Can You Dig It'
United Kingdom Parliament General informati and links to local MPs.
London Borough of Hillingdon Information about the borough with links to Council services and publications.
Nick Hurd- Member of Parliament for Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner.
John McDonnell - Member of Parliament for Hayes and Harlington.
John Randall - Member of Parliament for Uxbridge & South Ruislip.
Brogdale This is the home of the national fruit collection. It belongs to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). There are special fruit festivals during year.
Garden Organic Formerly known as the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA). The society promotes organic gardening and farming.
Ickenham and Swakeleys Horticultural Society Details about various events shows and talks are available on their web site
National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners
This is the national representative body for allotments in the UK. It promotes the preservation of allotment gardening. The Prince of Wales became their patron in 2011. Members have opportunity to purchase goods from Kings Seeds at discount rate.
National Vegetable Society
The society is a charity that is dedicated to improving the culture of vegetables. The website contains lots of advice for amateurs and those who are growing vegetables for show.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Kew An inspiring organisation that seeks to deliver science-based plant conservation across the world.
Royal Horticultural Society Promotes good gardening and horticulture. The web site won the New Media Award in 2006. It contains a wide range of information, resources, gardening advice, news, gardeners' calender, details of RHS events and gardens. plus the plant finder. There is also a special section about growing vegetables.
Ruislip Central Horticultural Society Details about various events, shows and talks are available on their web site Streamside Horticultural Association The association was formed in 1940 during the 'Dig for Victory' campaign. It is based in Pinner, Middlesex. Membership is open to gardeners from other areas.
Discussion Groups & Message Boards
Allotment 4 All This is an interesting discussion forum. Most of the members are allotment holders. It covers a wide range of topics. Also contains a useful directory and photographs from various members.
Allotments UK A directory of allotment links and information.
BBC Gardening Message Boards Garden clinic; Garden inspiration; Grow your own; TV and Radio
London Allotment Network This network is designed to connect allotment communities in greater London. There are interesting links, general news and discussions.
Online Calenders, Guides, Journals, Magazines, Programmes
Bayer Garden Doctor Bayer manufactures a wide range of garden products. The garden doctor section contains information about common problems and diseases.
BBC Gardeners' Calender A seasonal guide with daily tips. Try out the interactive planner.
Beechgrove Garden This is an interesting programme from BBC Scotland. The website contains a range of useful resources.
Gardener’s Click This interactive site is designed to create an online community of gardeners nationally and internationally. Users can create their own profile; share news, views, photographs and questions. You can catch up with some of the gardening programmes and presenters.
Gardeners World Magazine - News, advice section, plant features, diary of gardening jobs, various projects.
Horticulture Week News about gardeners, pest and disease, garden centres and retail. Focus on special plants. Discussion forums and Blogs.
Kitchen Garden News, monthly advice, discussion forum. The article archive contains lots of information from previous journals. Short video demonstrations included.
RHS Gardening Calender A comprehensive guide with a search facility.
RHS Grow Your Own Veg An online guide about growing and cooking vegetables, a monthly calender, and lots of tip.
The Grow Your Own Channel This is a free broadband internet TV channel for allotment growers. There are lots of tips and advice. The content is expanding. R
The Garden Royal Horticultural Society monthly journal.
Guides, Fact sheets, Policy documents and Reports
Allotment Plot Holders Guide The Allotment Regenerative Initiative revised and updated the guide in 2007. The new document is a useful introduction allotments, it contains a wide range of information.
Allotment Waiting Lists in 2010 A report by Margaret Campbell and Ian Campbell about waiting lists on allotment sites in English local authorities in May 2010. Published by The National Association of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.
Growing in the Community A good practice guide about management of allotments. It contains information about policies and relevant legislation. Published by the Local Government Association.
Ducks Hill Garden Centre, Ducks Hill Road, Ruislip, HA4 7TP
Hillingdon Garden Centre, Pield Heath Road, Hillingdon, UB8 3NP
Smith’s Nurseries, Oxford road New Denham UB9 4DE
Award of Garden Merit The AGM award indicates that the plants are recommended by the RHS.
Medwyns of Anglesey - Exhibition vegetable seeds.
Vegetable Seeds net This company supplies vegetable, flower, herb and organic seeds. There is a 10% discount for allotment plot holders.