“We are thrilled to bring the PlantNetwork community together again in 2026, particularly as we celebrate 30 years. For three decades, PlantNetwork has supported collaboration, shared learning and professional connections across the sector.
This conference will allow us to reflect on where we started, explore the challenges we face today, and look ahead to the future of plant collections and horticulture.”
Alison Crook, PlantNetwork Chair
Dates
21 – 22 October 2026
Venue
Ness Botanic Garden
Format
In person and live stream
We have 5 voices from across the sector leading each session, with a panel of speakers for each session.
Looking back over the last 30 years, what has happened since 1996? Speakers will discuss all things horticulture and plant collections, past, present, and future. This session will also include an introduction to our host venue, Ness Botanic Garden. Speakers confirmed: Nicholas Wray (University of Bristol Botanic Garden), Nick Lightfoot (Ness Botanic Gardens)
Resilience is often framed as ‘weathering the storm’. This session explores whether resilience in 2026 actually requires the courage to change our management objectives entirely. Speakers confirmed: Harry Watkins (St Andrews Botanic Garden), Emily Hazell (Chelsea Physic Garden)
If 100 years of data is showing that our collections have limited conservation value, can we use that information to make a sustainable change? Although botanic and public gardens hold a large percentage of the world's plant diversity, they are often missing the most vulnerable species, or their collections lack the genetic diversity necessary. Should global data audits now dictate our acquisition and deaccessioning policies, even if it means losing locally beloved heritage specimens? Speakers confirmed: Rob Cubey (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh), Angela Cano (University of Cambridge), Charlotte Lusty (Millennium Seed Bank)
The global plant palette found in many gardens is of increasing interest in the areas of Plant Humanities research and understanding public benefit and relevance of gardens as historic sites, botanical institutions and visitor attractions. What is the role of horticulturists in such partnerships and public engagement? Speakers confirmed: Katherine Alker (National Trust), Kevin Frediani (National Trust for Scotland)
This session addresses the tension between some of the resource-intensive traditions of heritage horticulture and the modern requirements for financial and environmental sustainability.
Speakers confirmed: Sheila Das (National Trust), Alex Wigley (Historic Royal Places), Louise Hudspith (English Heritage)
Member tickets:
Two days, including evening meal £300
Two days, no evening meal £220
One day, including evening meal £180
One day, no evening meal £100
Non-member tickets:
Two days, including evening meal £380
Two days, no evening meal £300
One day, including evening meal £228
One day, no evening meal £148
All ticket options include the opportunity to ask online questions, and you will receive edited videos with transcripts afterwards.
