The Agri Horticultural Society of India was founded in 1820 by William Carey on the Alipore Road, Kolkata. It has a flower garden, greenhouses, a research laboratory and a library. It houses a massive collection of plants and flowers. It has a significant collection of botanical varieties, including Cannas for which it has a long and distinguished tradition, with facilities for gardeners and plant/flower lovers. Courses on gardening and cultivation of certain species are offered to the general public from time to time.
A large variety of ferns and medicinal plants are grown in the Society's gardens. Thousands of fruits and flowers are grown and may also be bought at the nursery. It organizes annual flower shows in winter and imparts training in horticulture which is a major seasonal attraction.
In 1894 Mr Percy Lancaster was appointed Secretary to the Society, and founded the famous Alipore Canna Collection. His work was carried on by his son, Mr Sydney Percy-Lancaster until his retirement in the 1960s.