Since its foundation in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society has been at the forefront of horticultural practice, research, and education in the UK, and today it reaches millions of people through its gardens, shows, community programs, publications, and membership. The RHS was founded with, and still retains, the principal purpose of encouraging and improving the science, art, and practice of horticulture in all its branches. Its founding members wanted to form a repository for all the knowledge which could be collected on the subject of horticulture, and to encourage others to work towards its further improvement, for the general improvement of the country. Now, the RHS is the UK's leading gardening charity, dedicated to helping people share a passion for plants, encouraging excellence in horticulture, and inspiring all those with an interest in gardening.