Membership is open to all who support the aims of PlantNetwork.  Applications from individuals, gardens, Friends’ groups, trustees, colleges and those overseas are all welcome.

As a member, you will receive:

• weekly e-newsletter containing a wide variety of news, information, upcoming events and job vacancies.
• discounted rates for PlantNetwork conferences, workshops and training sessions.
• online members-only resources including ‘watch again’ webinar recordings.
• free monthly webinar or online discussion session.
• advice and support for yourself and others in your organisation.
• opportunities to take part in collaborative activities with other gardens, arboreta and horticultural organisations around the world.

PlantNetwork represents Britain and Ireland in the European Botanic Gardens Consortium (EBGC), providing access to an international network of horticulturists. We work closely with a range of other organisations including the Botanic Gardens Education Network (bgen), Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and Plant Heritage to ensure that our members benefit from the latest news and event opportunities.

COVID-19 support

During the COVID-19 lockdown, PlantNetwork provided further support to member gardens and professional horticulturists – particularly horticultural staff who were furloughed. All members were invited to:

• Participate in weekly webinars.
• Join a weekly virtual coffee morning.
• Sign up for the weekly newsletter using a non-work email.

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PlantNetwork provision

Conference

Each year, PlantNetwork organises an annual conference which focuses on a topical or emerging theme and aims to give horticulturists a platform to discuss the latest thinking within that topic, provide access to leading authorities, and an opportunity to explore practical considerations. In 2019, the conference theme was ‘climate change’. In 2020, we collaborated with Sibbaldia and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on ‘Promoting Excellence in Horticulture‘, an online conference.

One day events

A number of training and information days are organised each year. These days are informed by our membership, with members suggesting topics of relevance or importance. All training days focus on upskilling participants, providing a range of resources, examples and approaches that can be applied back in each participant’s garden/collection.

Special interest groups

We encourage and support special interest groups. Members are invited to join the PlantNetwork groups: the PlantNetwork Tree Forum, PlantNetwork Glasshouse Forum  and PlantNetwork Plant Records Group. At least one event per year is organised for each group, allowing more specialist topics to be addressed and enabling members to meet others working in often specialised areas. Suggestions for other special interest groups are always welcomed.

Newsletter

The weekly newsletter shares information across the network. It includes news from the horticultural and botanical worlds, new publications and policy updates, and events taking place in the UK, Europe and elsewhere. There is a monthly article providing a more in-depth look at an issue or topic, often written by a PlantNetwork member or supporter. Job vacancies and other opportunities are also regular features of the newsletter.

Webinars

Beginning in 2020, PlantNetwork has been offering regular webinars which are free to members (and available to non-members for a small fee). Initally provided on a weekly basis during the first lockdown, the webinars became monthly events focusing on a range of horticulturally-relevant topics. More information is available on the webinar page.

Connecting gardens

PlantNetwork events are the ideal venue to meet horticulturists from across Britain and Ireland. Members are welcome to host PlantNetwork events and benefit from the opportunities afforded by the visits of professional horticulturists.

The special-interest groups allow members to meet, compare notes and discuss problems in specialist areas:

• The Plant Records Group addresses issues of record-keeping, data management, mapping and all matters associated with documenting plant collections.
• The Tree Forum discusses arboriculture, arboreta and all matters sylvicultural.
• The Glasshouse Forum brings together those involved in cultivating plants under glass.

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Sharing skills

PlantNetwork conferences and training days contribute to the continuing skill development of horticulturists, ensuring members are all involved in strengthening, enhancing and developing the sector in which we all work.

We are working with other organisations in the horticultural sector to evaluate skills gaps and identify mechanisms to meet these needs. Our recent webinars also allow members to share skills and experiences.

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Promoting collections

The PlantNetwork Directory helps to promote plant collections in Britain and Ireland.

PlantNetwork has assisted with the interpretation and understanding of international legislation, and appreciation of best practice, in the management and development of plant collections. This work is communicated via the newsletter and at conferences and other events throughout the year.

Through work with a number of organisations, PlantNetwork has been involved in the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation including a Target 8 Project with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the development of best practice methods for cultivation and propagation in plant conservation, and the application of horticultural knowledge to practical conservation measures.

For further information about the activities of PlantNetwork, please explore the website or contact us with your questions.

If you would like to join PlantNetwork, please use the online application form or contact us for more information.

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