What is the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) doing with fungi in its gardens?

The RHS is now embracing fungi as essential components of healthy garden ecosystems, with a surge in fungal growth across its five gardens this autumn.

What rare and new fungal species have been discovered in RHS gardens?

At the RHS Harlow Carr garden, over 768 fungal species have been logged, including the rare Spiculoglea inequalis, which was found for the first time in the UK.

How are the RHS and its experts encouraging gardeners to appreciate fungi?

The RHS has published a new book, "RHS Fungi For Gardeners: Know Your Garden Fungi And How To Grow Them," to help gardeners understand the crucial roles fungi play in maintaining healthy gardens.

Home / Environment / RHS Hails Fungi as Integral to Healthy Gardens

RHS Hails Fungi as Integral to Healthy Gardens

10 Oct

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Summary

RHS records surge in fungi at its gardens this autumn
Fungi now recognized as essential to garden ecosystems
Rare and new fungal species discovered in RHS gardens

RHS Hails Fungi as Integral to Healthy Gardens

As of October 11th, 2025, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has reported a significant increase in the presence of fungi across its five gardens. This shift in the organization's perspective on fungi coincides with the current autumn mushroom season.

The RHS attributes the abundant fungal growth to the favorable weather conditions this year, with a sunny spring and summer allowing plants to produce ample sugars, which they then passed on to their fungal partners, enabling the fungi to thrive. The recent wet weather has also stimulated the growth of various mushroom species.

At the RHS Harlow Carr garden in Yorkshire, the number of recorded fungal species has risen from 570 last year to over 768 this season. These include rare and little-known species, as well as one found for the first time in the UK - Spiculoglea inequalis. The improved understanding and interest in documenting fungi have contributed to the identification of this previously overlooked species.

The RHS has also been actively encouraging the growth of fungi across its sites and in its advice to gardeners. The organization has published a new book, "RHS Fungi For Gardeners: Know Your Garden Fungi And How To Grow Them," to help gardeners appreciate the vital role fungi play in a healthy garden ecosystem. Fungi are now recognized as essential for breaking down dead and decaying material, nourishing plants and animals, and maintaining soil structure, even during drought and heavy rain.

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