As of 2023[update] the president was Keith Weed and the director general was Clare Matterson CBE.

His aims were fairly modest: he wanted to hold regular meetings, allowing the society's members the opportunity to present papers on their horticultural activities and discoveries, to encourage discussion of them, and to publish the results.

Wedgwood discussed the idea with his friends, but it was four years before the first meeting, of seven men, took place, on 7 March 1804 at Hatchards bookshop in Piccadilly, London.

Wedgwood was chairman; also present were William Townsend Aiton (successor to his father, William Aiton, as Superintendent of Kew Gardens), Sir Joseph Banks (President of the Royal Society), James Dickson (a nurseryman), William Forsyth (Superintendent of the gardens of St. James's Palace and Kensington Palace), Charles Francis Greville (a Lord of the Admiralty) and Richard Anthony Salisbury, who became the Secretary of the new society.

[9][10] Members and Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MRHS[11] and FRHS, respectively.

In 1820 the society leased some of Hugh Ronalds' nursery ground at Little Ealing to set up an experimental garden,[18] but the next year part of the Duke of Devonshire's estate at Chiswick was obtained.

From 1827 the society held fêtes at the Chiswick garden, and from 1833, shows with competitive classes for flowers and vegetables.

Dick Robinson was also the owner of the Harry Smith Collection which was based at Hyde Hall.

[24] The RHS is custodian of the Lindley Library, housed within its headquarters at 80 Vincent Square, London, and in branches at each of its four gardens.

[27] In 2010, the society launched 'It's your neighbourhood', a campaign to encourage people to get involved in horticulture for the benefit of their community.

They can offer proficiency for those looking for employment in horticulture, they can support further career and professional development for those already working in the field, or they can provide a basis for continued learning or training.

[28] The RHS Campaign for School Gardening provides online inspiration, resources and advice to its members.

With the help of teachers, volunteers and other school-gardening champions, they support millions of students in the UK, giving them the opportunity to grow plants, food and develop life skills.

The society awards Gold, Silver-gilt, Silver and Bronze medals to exhibitors at its Flower Shows.

It is now Registrar for nine categories – conifers, clematis, daffodils, dahlias, delphiniums, dianthus, lilies, orchids[36] and rhododendrons.