Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society Mulls Rebrand

Local gardeners invited to complete survey on the group's identity

Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society volunteers meet. Picture: CHAS

August 15, 2026

The Chiswick Horticultural & Allotments Society (CHAS), one of the area’s longest-standing community organisations, is asking residents to help shape its future as it considers a new name and new identity.

It is holding a public survey and inviting members, gardeners and anyone with an interest in Chiswick’s green spaces to share their views.

Founded in 1915 as the Chiswick Allotment Holders Association, CHAS has spent more than a century promoting the art, science and practice of horticulture. Today it offers members free advice, discounted seeds, bulbs, compost, fertiliser and tools, and runs a lively programme of shows, talks, tours and events. Its twice-yearly shows encourage gardeners of all ages and abilities to exhibit flowers, vegetables, fruit, cakes, chutneys and photographs, keeping alive traditions that have shaped the society for generations.

But CHAS says it wants to become more relevant to a wider and more diverse cross-section of the community. As part of that ambition, it is exploring changes to its name, physical environment and services. One proposal is to adopt the name Grow Chiswick, a shift intended to feel more accessible while still reflecting the society’s roots. The survey asks how important it is for respondents that the organisation retains the word “horticulture” or a clear reference to gardening in its name.

The society emphasises that any changes will be made with respect for its long-held traditions, balancing heritage with the need to evolve.

Membership is already open to everyone, whether they have an allotment, a garden or simply a window box, and CHAS hopes the consultation will help guide how it can continue to support local growers while welcoming new audiences.

The survey takes around five minutes to complete and can be accessed here. It is open until midnight on Monday 21 September.

This page is sponsored by Rocks Lane who support community initiatives in Chiswick.