50 years and counting with the RHSI

“A Lifetime of Blooms: Rita’s Enduring Connection with RHSI”

In 1971, a young couple embarked on their gardening journey together after purchasing their first home. Rita, now a member of the RHSI, joined the society a year later, eager to enhance her knowledge and passion for gardening. Little did she know that this decision would mark the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to learning, growing, and savouring the joys of her outdoor sanctuary.

Over five decades later, Rita remains an active and devoted member of the RHSI community. The society’s bulletin, a source of inspiration and connection, keeps her engaged and linked with fellow gardening enthusiasts. Rita recently shared a heartwarming tale from a RHSI talk she attended with her mother a couple of years before her mother’s passing in 1979.

Rita, who modestly claims not to have a lucky bone in her body, recounted the day her mother’s luck shone brightly. At the RHSI event, Rita’s mother won a Sarcococca, commonly known as Sweet Box, renowned for its delightful winter scent. In a gesture of love and remembrance, Rita’s mother presented her daughter with the thriving plant.

Even today, the Sarcococca thrives in Rita’s garden, becoming a living testament to enduring memories and cherished moments shared over the past half-century with the RHSI. As winter descends and the garden is enveloped in darkness, the plant’s fragrant blossoms and glossy foliage serve as a poignant reminder of Rita’s mother and the countless happy times spent cultivating a love for gardening within the RHSI community.

Rita’s story encapsulates the essence of the RHSI – a community that not only nurtures gardens but also fosters lasting connections and treasured memories. As Rita continues to revel in her garden, she stands as a testament to the enduring joy and sense of belonging that the RHSI provides to passionate gardeners, particularly those, like her, who have gracefully entered the golden years of life.