The Variegated Plant Group (VPG) is a Specialist Group of the Hardy Plant Society for members who have a particular interest in growing and collecting these fascinating and eye-catching plants. Although variegated plants may be thought of as a minority interest, there are many ways in which they can lighten and enhance our gardens and a knowledge of them is useful to all gardeners.
Aims
The purpose of the VPG is to make uncommon variegated plants more widely available, used and appreciated. Members have been responsible for the introduction of many variegated plants that are now well-known. The VPG was instrumental in having a "v" added to the variegated plants listed in the RHS Plantfinder so that variegated plants are now much easier to find. Many members also take a keen interest in plants with coloured foliage.
 
Meetings
A General Meeting and Garden Day are held at least once a year and, in addition, regular Study Days are held. Several members are enthusiastic collectors and propagators, and the plant sales and auctions held at our events are opportunities to obtain plants not yet commercially available and often difficult to obtain elsewhere. Members enjoy sharing their excitement and love for variegated plants with like-minded enthusiasts and are happy to offer cultural advice and guidance on where to find elusive plants. Newcomers are always very welcome.
 
Publications
Our journal 'The Sport' has been published twice a year since 1988. This keeps us up-to-date with recent developments in the world of variegated plants and also publishes articles about specific plants. Members are encouraged to submit their own views and can use 'The Sport' to share information.
 
Membership
There can be few gardens which don't contain some variegated plants, even those of gardeners who may claim not to like them! Membership of the VPG will extend your appreciation of the very wide range of variegated plants now available and the effects which can be achieved by using them in the garden.
 
For more information on the Variegated Plant Group and details of joining click here.
 

Membership is open to members of The Hardy Plant Society which currently has 7 Specialist Groups and 43 Regional Groups throughout the UK. Members of the Society are eligible to join as many of these as they wish.

 
More information about The Hardy Plant Society can be found at www.hardy-plant.org.uk or from the Administrator, Mrs.Pam Adams, Little Orchard, Great Comberton, Nr. Pershore, Worcs. WR10 3DP; tel. No. 01386 710317.
 
The wider benefits of membership, and a link to a downloadable membership form can be found at www.hardy-plant.org.uk/membership/join-us/