/24-7PressRelease/ - SHEFFIELD, UK, May 16, 2008 - Working at the top end of horticulture as a writer, publisher and international speaker, I have been hailed as an innovator. In the past 20 years, I have come into contact with people at all levels involved in commercial and professional horticulture.
I shot to fame by writing and compiling The Seed Search. In its third year of publication I became seriously ill. I received a phone call from a colleague who informed that my book was about to be taken and amalgamated into the Plant Finder. I was appalled and had to fight, through my illness, to retain my copyright. I won in the end. I also found out the RHS were using my book to give the information in it away for free through a phone-in helpline. Appalled, I made successful efforts to stop this too. Chris Philip who owned the copyright to the Plant Finder told me that he had received a six figure sum from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) when they bought it from him. No such figure came my way, they just tried to walk all over me.
Another of my books suffered when the RHS started using its title for one of their books. So I changed the name of my title to the detriment of sales as people knew it by the other name. This was 'Growing From Seed', which I decided to change to 'Seed Sowing & Growing Success' to avoid confusion even though I had prior use.
When the PR went out to in 2006 to announce my last printed book, published February 2007, 'Lifestyle Gardening', I received a request from the RHS asking exactly what was in my book - they needed the contents page. Foolishly I produced this, only to find that later they produced similar content in a book of their own.
Just recently, I bought tickets for the Hampton Court Flower Show. The RHS ticketing agent misled me. I requested a refund, but the RHS refuse to make a refund. I am left one thousand pounds out of pocket. I was told by Director General, Inga Grimsey that "...a refund is to much to ask of a charity." They made an error, they should be willing to put it right.
You might be thinking that gardening is the gentle art and not a cut-throat business.
Karen told us "You can forgive someone one transgression, but this is too much. The RHS are knowledgable about copyright, so they know what they are doing wrong. They are always so reluctant to put things right. "
Does such an honourable society believe this is how to treat an individual? My work is recognised and praised by just about everyone. I have followers all over the world. I have had a huge influence on the RHS shows with designers and BBC coverage recognising my championing of all plants black. Without my research of 20 years, black plants would not be where they are today. They do not have to recognise my work, but can't they keep their hands off it? I personally know at least two people who have also suffered at their hands. With royal patronage, should they not be above all this? I am not about to be fazed and wiped out by this organization, who should learn a little courtesy. Whilst gardening is undoubtedly an art in which it is good to share, some things are not to be taken by an organization for its own purposes and gain.
Karen Platt is a renowned garden author who also runs a garden tour company. She has won awards for garden design at prestigious UK and USA garden shows. Available for interview. Contact: Karen Platt
+44 (0) 114 268 1700
k@karenplatt.co.uk
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