Harry Veitch - Public Service and The Chelsea Flower Show

Public Service and The Chelsea Flower Show

For over thirty years after 1870, Veitch was a constant visitor at continental horticultural gatherings. As early as 1869, together with Sir Joseph Hooker (director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), he was among those present at the first international exhibition in Russia, which was held at St. Petersburg.

For nearly twenty-five years, Veitch was chairman of the Gardener's Royal Benevolent Institution, ably conducting its affairs and contributing generously to its funds. He also supported the Royal Gardener's Orphan Fund and the United Horticultural Benefit Club for many years and additionally served as a member of the Board of Directors of the British Orphan Schools and on the committee of St. Anne's and of the City of London Missions. To all these organizations he gave his patronage freely and his financial assistance liberally.

In 1866, the "Great International Horticultural Exhibition" was held in London; Veitch became a member of the executive committee of 21 members and served on many of the sub-committees. With the proceeds from the exhibition, the Lindley Library was purchased and vested in the Royal Horticultural Society. Veitch was intimately associated with this organization for many years and helped establish its popularity thereafter.

An annual flower show had first been held in 1862, named the "Royal Horticultural Society’s Great Spring Show". Its venue was the R.H.S. garden in Kensington. When that garden was closed in 1888, the show was moved to the gardens of the Inner Temple near the Victoria Embankment. In 1912, the Temple Show was cancelled. However, Sir Harry Veitch brought this event back by securing the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea for a one-off event, the "Second Great International Horticultural Exhibition". The show was a success and the Great Spring Show was moved there in 1913, where it became the venue of today’s annual Chelsea Flower Show.

In 1918, Sir Harry Veitch became Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society for one year, having been a member of its Council since 1887 and Chairman of the Orchid Committee for many years.