911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups

911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups are a dynamic network of plant enthusiasts, sharing expertise and promoting the joy of horticulture across the UK and beyond

Who are the 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups?

Bringing together passionate experts through 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups to help shape the future of gardening:

Tender Plant Group
Expert groups keeping up-to-date with developments in horticulture

There are seven 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups, who are a valuable source of horticultural expertise, bringing together passionate individuals from amateur, professional, and commercial backgrounds.

The members aren’t just plant enthusiasts – they volunteer their time to help shape the future of gardening, from advancing sustainable growing practices to expanding networks locally and internationally.

911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups play a crucial role in making expert gardening knowledge accessible, whether it’s sharing the best gardening advice with 911±¬ÁÏ members, inspiring beginner gardeners, or championing urban gardening, these groups help cultivate a greener, more knowledgeable, and more inclusive gardening community.

Their dedication ensures that horticultural knowledge continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Fruit and Veg group
The judging at 911±¬ÁÏ competitions is supported by expert group members

How 911±¬ÁÏ Experts Groups provide support

  • Deliver outreach activities to a wide audience, such as providing advice at 911±¬ÁÏ Shows, visiting relevant gardens (including 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens), nurseries and community groups
  • Input into activities at 911±¬ÁÏ Shows, gardens and events to promote horticulture and engage more people in gardening
  • Help build horticulture for the future by promoting and enabling opportunities for careers in horticulture through active engagement with students at all levels
  • Submit proposals for 911±¬ÁÏ Plant Trials, establishing recommendations for trials and the make-up of relevant assessment forums

Meet the 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups

Discover the expert groups behind the 911±¬ÁÏ, specialists in gardening, plants, and knowledge sharing:

911±¬ÁÏ Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group

Formed in 1936 as the Joint Rock Garden Plant Committee, the group consists of experts in these specialised plants and their diverse growing conditions. As well as its own meetings, the group attends Alpine Garden Society and Scottish Rock Garden Club events all over the UK, judging and assessing rock garden and alpine plants for 911±¬ÁÏ Plant Awards, including the 911±¬ÁÏ Recommended: Award of Garden Merit.

Alpine and Rock group
911±¬ÁÏ Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group at RBG Kew, London

911±¬ÁÏ Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group members
Chair

Dave Millward, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group, is a rock gardening expert with more than 40 years of experience as a field botanist and geologist.

Core members
  • Carole Bainbridge
  • Ian Bainbridge
  • David Carver
  • Razvan Chisu
  • Diane Clement
  • Colin Crosbie
  • Ray Drew
  • Kit-Grey-Wilson
  • Jim McGregor
  • Gavin McNaughton
  • John Mitchell
  • Sally Petitt
  • David Rankin
  • Bertie Swainston
Network members
  • Faye Adams
  • Christopher Bailes
  • Brian Burrow
  • Ian Christie
  • Tim Forshaw
  • John Good
  • Alex Hankey
  • Neil Huntley
  • Jim Jermyn
  • Cyril Lafong
  • Rod Leeds
  • Sandy Leven
  • Elspeth Mackintosh
  • John Richards
  • Peter Semple
  • Kit Strange
Events in 2026

The 911±¬ÁÏ Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group will be present at upcoming events, offering a chance to celebrate notable plant awards while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Across these gatherings, members can explore outstanding alpine and rock garden plants recognised for their quality and performance, meet expert growers and enjoy valuable networking with others who share a passion for rock gardening.

Event: Scottish Rock Garden Club show

  • Location: Perth
  • Date: 18 April 2026

Event: Alpine Garden Society East Cheshire show

  • Location: Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire
  • Date: 30 May 2026

Event: Alpine Garden Society/Scottish Rock Garden Club joint show

  • Location: Hexham, Northumberland
  • Date: 3 October 2026
Bulb group
911±¬ÁÏ Bulb Expert Group assisting with 911±¬ÁÏ Trials judging

911±¬ÁÏ Bulb Expert Group

The group evolved in 2013 from the Daffodil & Tulip Committee, which was formed in 1884. Its wider remit now covers plants with bulbs and other subterranean storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes. Its members also contribute to the production of the Daffodil, Snowdrop & Tulip Yearbook and help to organise and judge relevant plants at regional horticultural shows and competitions. The group has strong links internationally, particularly in the Netherlands, and representatives of the 911±¬ÁÏ Lily Group also sit on this group. The 911±¬ÁÏ is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for daffodils and lilies.

911±¬ÁÏ Bulb Expert Group members
Chair

Dave Hardy, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Bulb Expert Group, is a professional grower, shower, hybridiser, and nursery owner specialising in bulbous plants.

Core members
  • John Amand (911±¬ÁÏ Trials coordinator)
  • Camilla Bassett-Smith (Subject matter liaison)
  • Malcolm Bradbury
  • Andy Byfield
  • Teresa Clements
  • John David
  • Gwynne M Davies (Annual awards coordinator)
  • Brian S. Duncan
  • Jules Hardy
  • Richard Hilson
  • Richard McCaw
  • Alan Shipp
  • Adam Taylor
  • John Walkers
  • Nial Watson (Northern Ireland Daffodil Group liaison)
  • Richard Wilford
  • Anne Wright
Network members
  • Saskia Bodegom
  • Carien van Boxtel
  • Chris Clennett
  • Rob Evans
  • Hester Forde
  • Frazer Henderson
  • Muhammad Hafiz Ullah
  • Richard Hyde
  • Jess Jansdotter
  • Reg Nicholl
  • Polly Nicholson
  • Len Olive
  • Richard Perrignon
  • Jackie Petherbridge (Daffodil Society liaison)
  • Adrian Scamp
  • Christine Skelmersdale
  • Carlos van der Veek
  • Christopher Wiley
  • Brett Wilson

911±¬ÁÏ Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group

Formed in 1858, this is the oldest expert group and membership includes representatives from the 911±¬ÁÏ Fruit Group. Its members assist with the judging of fruit, vegetable and herb classes at horticultural competitions and shows and participate in cultivar identification at various locations. They also visit allotment sites in the UK to share their knowledge and contribute expertise to 911±¬ÁÏ apps and campaigns.

Fruit and Veg group
911±¬ÁÏ Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group at Tatton Park, Cheshire

911±¬ÁÏ Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group members
Chair

Gerry Edwards, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group, is an RICS Fellow, Chartered Horticulturist, and has a Master of Horticulture Award, with experience as a pomologist, fruit advisor, and apple identifier.

Core members
  • Jim Arbury
  • Lucy Chamberlain
  • Vicki Cooke
  • Alison Dodd
  • Karim Habibi
  • Joe Lofthouse
  • Barry Newman
  • Matt Ordidge
  • Gary Saunders
  • Barbara Segall
  • Rob Smith
  • Simon Smith
  • Coline Spires
  • David Thornton
  • Alessandra Valsecchi
  • Richard White
Network members
  • Peter Adams
  • Kate Cotterill
  • Ellie Dunn
  • Tony Girard
  • Kelly-Jane Leach
  • The Lady Lenzie
  • Andy Lewis
  • Rekha Mistry
  • Joan Morgan
  • James Oakey
  • Sue Stickland
  • Medwyn Williams
Events in 2026

The 911±¬ÁÏ Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group will be involved in a range of engagements throughout the year, including opportunities for members to share expertise through discussions, support learning experiences and take part in wider celebrations of produce diversity. Across these activities, the group will continue to offer guidance, exchange knowledge and connect with growers and enthusiasts from across the sector.

Event: Europm at 911±¬ÁÏ Rosemoor

  • Location: Devon
  • Date: 3–4 October 2026
Herbaceous group
911±¬ÁÏ Herbaceous Plant Expert Group assisting with 911±¬ÁÏ Trials judging

911±¬ÁÏ Herbaceous Plant Expert Group

The group, formed in 1859 as the Floral Committee and renamed in 2005, has a huge remit covering hardy herbaceous perennials including carnations and pinks, chrysanthemums, delphiniums and grasses. Its members regularly contribute to many 911±¬ÁÏ Plant Trials and rolling reviews of the 911±¬ÁÏ Recommended: Award of Garden Merit. They give talks and demonstrations at a variety of shows and events across the country. The 911±¬ÁÏ is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Dahlia, Delphinium and Dianthus.

911±¬ÁÏ Herbaceous Plant Expert Group members
Chair

Philip Johnson, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Herbaceous Plant Expert Group, is a long-standing Group member with more than 50 years’ involvement in sweet peas and is a former professional grower and garden centre manager.

Core members
  • Sue Beesley (Vice Chair)
  • Sarah Cook
  • Emily Chandler
  • Philip Clayton
  • Stephen Crisp
  • Steve Edney
  • John Fielding
  • David Foreman (Vice Chair)
  • Alistair Gunn
  • James (Jim) Marshall
  • Alison Mulvaney (Rolling review coordinator)
  • Ben Pope
  • Frances Rasch
  • Sue Roe
  • Cathy Rollinson
  • Libby Russell
  • Janice Shipp (Events and meetings)
  • Rosie Yeomans
Network members
  • Marina Christopher
  • Simon Crawford
  • Emma Crawforth
  • Pilar Dell
  • Josh Egan-Wyer
  • Clare Foggett
  • Fergus Garrett
  • Kevin Hobbs
  • Christine Howard
  • Neil Lucas
  • Lewis Normand
  • Graham Rice
  • Clive Rowe
  • Charles Valin
  • Robin Wallis
  • Dr Andrew Ward
  • Mark Wasilewski
  • Kirsty Wilson

911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Expert Group

The group was formed in 1889 and holds meetings around the country, working with local orchid societies and assessing more than 200 orchids for 911±¬ÁÏ Plant Awards every year. It has strong international links and its members represent the group and the 911±¬ÁÏ at events all over the world. The group assists in the planning and delivery of the annual 911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Show. The 911±¬ÁÏ is also the International Cultivar Registration Authority for orchid hybrids.

Orchid group
911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Expert Group together at regular meeting

911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Expert Group members
Chair

David Ridgeway, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Expert Group and World Orchid Conference liaison, is a passionate orchid grower, horticulturist, and accredited judge for both the 911±¬ÁÏ and British Orchid Council.

Core members
  • Jean Barker (AGM and 911±¬ÁÏ Trials)
  • John Gay
  • Clare Hermans (Vice Chair)
  • Johan Hermans (Orchid Hybrid Registration Advisory Group and European Orchid Counil liaison)
  • Bala Kompalli
  • Lucinda Lachelin (Student liaison)
  • Luigi Leoni
  • Clive Lloyd
  • David Mathers (Vice Chair)
  • Mariano Medda
  • Helen Milner (Photogrpraphy)
  • Malcolm Moodie
  • Henry Oakeley
  • David Ridgeway
  • Sara Rittershausen
  • André Roux
  • Andre Schuiteman
  • Zsuzsanna Serer (British Orchid Council liaison)
  • Peter White
Network members
  • James Armitage (Editor, The Orchid Review)
  • Chris Barker
  • Phil Cribb
  • Munekazu Ejiri
  • Lauren Gardiner
  • Hilary Hobbs
  • Isobyl La Croix
  • Deborah Lambkin (Orchid artist)
  • Gill Mathers
  • Ron McHatton
  • David Menzies
  • Christine Nicholson
  • Paul Phillips
  • Clare Pritchard (911±¬ÁÏ Orchid Registrar)
  • Chris Purver
  • Peter Sander
  • Philip Seaton
  • Alberto Trinco
  • Mark Turner
  • Terry Want
  • John Valin (Annual awards)
Tender group
911±¬ÁÏ Tender Ornamental Expert Group on a visit to Threave, Scotland

911±¬ÁÏ Tender Ornamental Expert Group

Formed in 1963 and renamed in 2005, the group comprises experts in growing tender plants from around the world, which, in temperate climates, are normally grown under protection or as houseplants. Its annual programme of events includes talks and demonstrations at a variety of flower shows, along with visiting nurseries and gardens where the members can share their expertise and learn about new technology.

911±¬ÁÏ Tender Ornamental Expert Group members
Chair

Martin Fish, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Tender Ornamental Expert Group, is a horticulturist, garden writer, broadcaster, Chartered Institute of Horticulture Fellow, 911±¬ÁÏ Harlow Carr advisor, and senior 911±¬ÁÏ judge.

Core members
  • Alice Bailey (Meetings and events)
  • Helen Bainbridge
  • Russell Beeton (AGM rolling reviews)
  • Don Billington
  • Roger Burnett
  • David Creese (911±¬ÁÏ Trials)
  • Lynne Dibley
  • Louise Dowle
  • David Ford (Vice Chair, 911±¬ÁÏ Trials and Plant Heritage liaison)
  • Steve Hickman
  • David Hurrion (911±¬ÁÏ Rosemoor and education liaison)
  • Daniel Jackson
  • Lara Jewitt (Vice Chair, meetings and events)
  • Greg Redwood (Vice Chair, shows and judging)
  • Matt Soper
  • Saul Walker (Vice Chair and AGM rolling reviews)
  • Sue Wood (Bedding review coordinator)
  • Lawrence Wright
  • Christopher Young (911±¬ÁÏ Wisley)
Network members
  • Richard Baines
  • Alex Baribeau
  • Claire Batten
  • Roy Cheek
  • Mike Clifford
  • Alastair Culham (Science liaison)
  • Emily Hazell
  • John Hughes (Reports)
  • Jacob James
  • Colin Jones
  • Peter Jones
  • Jane Lindsay
  • Dean Lockwood
  • Stuart Lowen
  • Geoff Oke
  • Jane Perrone
  • Michael Perry
  • Paul Rees
  • Paula Routledge
  • Alex Summers
  • Megan Webb
  • Jon Wheatley (911±¬ÁÏ Awards)

911±¬ÁÏ Woody Expert Group

Formed in 1859 as part of the Floral Committee and renamed in 2005, the group is the source of expertise for hardy trees and shrubs, including old hybrid roses, rose species and hardy climbing plants. It makes study visits to important collections and has links with the International Dendrology Society and other societies, and membership includes representatives from the 911±¬ÁÏ Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group. The 911±¬ÁÏ is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Clematis, conifers and Rhododendron.

Woody group
911±¬ÁÏ Woody Expert Group at Bluebell Arboretum, Derbyshire

911±¬ÁÏ Woody Expert Group members
Chair

Marie-Louise Agius, Chair of the 911±¬ÁÏ Woody Expert Group, has extensive experience in the landscape industry with nearly 20 years at Balston Agius. She has worked on a variety of projects across the UK, from private to urban gardens, and is an active 911±¬ÁÏ judge sitting on selection panels for show gardens.

Core members
  • John Anderson
  • Harry Baldwin (AGM rolling reviews coordinator)
  • Elizabeth Balmforth (Vice Chair, pests and diseases)
  • Caroline Boisset
  • Sarah Bray
  • Rosemary Campbell-Preston
  • Tom Christian (Meetings and events)
  • Mick Crawley
  • Dan Crowley
  • Jim Gardiner
  • Debs Goodenough
  • John Grimshaw
  • Tony Kirkham (Vice Chair and council liaison)
  • Chris Lane
  • Dan Luscombe
  • David Millais
  • Daniel Myhill (911±¬ÁÏ Trials coordinator)
  • Walter Sawyer
Network members
  • Jack Aldridge (Rolling reviews, 911±¬ÁÏ Trials and 911±¬ÁÏ Wisley liaison)
  • Rosie Atkins
  • Matt Biggs 
  • Wolfgang Bopp
  • Charles Carr
  • Nick Dunn
  • Raymond Evison
  • Maurice Foster 
  • Rowan Griffiths
  • Michael Hickson
  • David Jewell
  • Ben Jones
  • Doug Justice
  • David Knott                
  • Roy Lancaster 
  • Jack Lindfield
  • Michael Marriott
  • Matthew Pottage
  • Chris Sanders
  • Vicomte Philippe de Spoelberch
  • Roderick White
  • Bleddyn Wynn-Jones

Interested in joining an 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Group?

The 911±¬ÁÏ updates its expert group membership annually to maintain relevance, vibrancy, and diversity. Plant Society members with expertise in any plant group, and the ability to attend a range of meetings and events, are encouraged to enquire about membership to an 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Group.

For more information, contact the 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups team on expertgroups@rhs.org.uk.

911±¬ÁÏ Expert Group Annual Awards

Created to recognise those who are making an outstanding contribution within a plant group:

Westornbirt Orchid Medal
Dr. Pugh-Jones and Ruth Willmott with the Westonbirt Orchid Medal

The 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Group Annual Awards, launched in 2019, recognise individuals making significant contributions to plant groups in fields such as science, conservation, propagation, literature, journalism, and art. Open to both amateurs and professionals worldwide, these awards highlight those whose work enhances plant knowledge and inspires others. Winners are selected through nominations and voting within each 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Group and receive a certificate along with an engraved glass vase.

See the recipients

Get in touch

To find out more, or if you’re interested in being part of the 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups, please contact the 911±¬ÁÏ Expert Groups team.
 

Email

[email protected]

Explore more with the 911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ

The 911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.