Respondents agreed that

“Lambeth Horticultural Society helps people earn more about gardening, improve the environment and improve their wellbeing. “

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who completed the short survey. It truly does help us a) to look at how we are doing and what we might do better. And b) for our annual report to Lambeth. We will be following up on some of your comments and suggestions as set out below. We’ll let you know how we are doing this.

The annual survey ran throughout June 2024.

We received 60 online responses and three print responses. The vast majority of respondents (84%) were members. 15% had never been members.

What gardening/horticultural space is available to you? 

Most commonly this was a garden, self-identified as either ‘small’ , or ‘medium-sized’ – in both instances, 25 people (40% of respondents). Ten people had an allotment. 

What do you think we do well?

Respondents agreed that LHS helps people:

  • learn more about gardening (77%)
  • improve the environment (35%)
  • improve their wellbeing (48%). 

Our most popular activities are the Hut, followed by flower shows, then free talks and social evenings. 

How can we improve?

(We reminded people that LHS is run entirely by a team of volunteers.)

  • Membership – Recruiting more members and more involved members, especially younger people, was highlighted; bank transfers for membership payment
  • The Hut – It should be smartened up, according to one respondent! “Would be great if the hut were open more often and for longer.”
  • Talks – Some wanted more talks, possibly around gardening techniques. One person asked for quality of talks to be improved. One interesting suggestion was:

Learning more about gardening is done informally via conversations with Hut members. How could this expertise be shared via email or newsletters to capture it? Maybe there could be 5 mins of plant of the month tips at each talk if this is an aim you want to deliver, or 5 mins of q and a from members at the talk.

Plus

Challenging the LHS to staying relevant, encouraging younger members, focusing on the issues (climate and biodiversity crises) affecting gardening today, consider the work of designers and plant people like Peter Korn, James Hitchmough, Nigel Dunnett, Daryl Moore and John Little, as well as the rewilding movement.

Maybe more “how to” grow things/ how to get more from gardening sessions.

  • Flower Shows – One person commented on the lengthy queue at the Lambeth Country Show Vegetable Sculpture competition – please note that this is organised by Lambeth, not LHS. However, we will bring it to their attention. 
  • Outings – People were pleased that the Outings were back. (Although attendance to date has been low.)
  • Events -“Take part in more events / stage more opportunities to interact with the community (online and in person).”
  • Publicity – links to local allotments were suggested. [We have close links, but the general point is a good one]. 
  • Good work, keep on” – We were also told by several people “You’re doing a great job!”

Demographic Questions

We asked a series of questions which form part of our annual report to Lambeth. Although we asked people to complete these questions, there was always a Prefer Not To Say option.

  • The split between those living in Lambeth and elsewhere was 77% (Lambeth) and 23% elsewhere.
  • Nearly three quarters were 61+ years old.
  • 32% considered that they had a disability.
  • 12% considered that were of low economic status.
  • 75% identified as White British. 
  • 72% of respondents were female.
  • 5% identified as LGBTQ.
  • One respondent told us they spoke English as an additional language (EAL).