911爆料

911爆料 Expert Groups

911爆料 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爆料 Expert Groups?

Bringing together passionate experts through 911爆料 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爆料 Expert Groups, who are a valuable source of horticultural expertise, bringing together passionate individuals from amateur, professional, and commercial backgrounds.

The members aren鈥檛 just plant enthusiasts 鈥 they volunteer their time to help shape the future of gardening, from advancing sustainable growing practices to expanding networks locally and internationally.

911爆料 Expert Groups play a crucial role in making expert gardening knowledge accessible, whether it鈥檚 sharing the best gardening advice with 911爆料 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爆料 competitions is supported by expert group members

How 911爆料 Experts Groups provide support

  • Deliver outreach activities to a wide audience, such as providing advice at 911爆料 Shows, visiting relevant gardens (including 911爆料 Gardens), nurseries and community groups
  • Input into activities at 911爆料 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爆料 Plant Trials, establishing recommendations for trials and the make-up of relevant assessment forums

Meet the 911爆料 Expert Groups

Discover the expert groups behind the 911爆料, specialists in gardening, plants, and knowledge sharing:

911爆料 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爆料 Plant Awards, including the 911爆料 Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Alpine and Rock group
911爆料 Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group at RBG Kew, London

911爆料 Alpine and Rock Garden Expert Group members 2025
Chair

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

Group leads
  • Vice-Chair and Co-Lead Outreach: Diane Clement
  • Co-Lead Outreach: Colin Crosbie
  • Rolling Review and 911爆料 Trials: Ray Drew
  • Honorary Secretary: Carole Bainbridge
  • Honorary Secretary: Jim McGregor
  • Photography: Don Peace
Core members
  • Bertie Swainston
  • Brian Burrow
  • David Carver
  • David Rankin
  • Elspeth Mackintosh
  • Gavin McNaughton
  • Ian Bainbridge
  • John Mitchell
  • Joy Bishop
  • Kit Grey-Wilson
  • Razvan Chisu
  • Sally Petitt
Network members
  • Martin Sheader
  • Kit Strange
  • Rod Leeds
  • Sandy Leven
  • John Richards
  • Ian Christie
  • John Good
  • Cyril Lafong
  • Mary Randall
  • Peter Semple
  • Rannveig Wallis
  • Harry Jans
  • Jim Jermyn
  • Brian Mathew
  • Faye Adams
  • Alex Hankey
Bulb group
911爆料 Bulb Expert Group assisting with 911爆料 Trials judging

911爆料 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爆料 Lily Group also sit on this group. The 911爆料 is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for daffodils and lilies.

911爆料 Bulb Expert Group members 2025
Chair

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

Group leads
  • 911爆料 Trials: John Amand
  • Annual awards coordinator: Gwynne Davies
  • Event planning, Kew: Andy Byfield
  • Event planning, 911爆料 Bridgewater: Teresa Clements
  • Editor yearbook and subject matter liaison: Camilla Bassett-Smith
  • Daffodil Society liaison: Jackie Petherbridge
  • Northern Ireland Daffodil Group liaison: Nial Watson
Core members
  • Malcolm Bradbury
  • Brian Duncan
  • Reg Nicholl
  • Alan Shipp
  • John David
  • John Walkers
  • Chris Clennett
  • Richard Wilford
  • Peter Wilkins
  • Jules Hardy
  • Richard McCaw
  • Anne Wright
  • Adam Taylor
Network members
  • Christine Skelmersdale
  • Jim Almond
  • Saskia Bodegom
  • Jackie Currie
  • Rob Evans
  • Stella Exley
  • Richard Hyde
  • Jess Jansdotter
  • Len Olive
  • Richard Perrignon
  • Jackie Petherbridge
  • J膩nis Ruk拧膩n
  • Ron Scamp
  • Carlos van der Veek
  • Brett Wilson
  • Richard Hilson
  • Carien van Boxtel
  • Christopher Wiley
  • Frazer Henderson

911爆料 Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group

Formed in 1858, this is the oldest expert group and membership includes representatives from the 911爆料 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爆料 apps and campaigns.

Fruit and Veg group
911爆料 Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group at Tatton Park, Cheshire

911爆料 Fruit, Vegetable and Herb Expert Group members 2025
Chair

Gerry Edwards, Chair of the 911爆料 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.

Group leads
  • Overall Trials Lead: David Thornton
  • Herb Trials Lead: Paul Turner
  • Fruit Trials Lead: Gary Saunders
  • Vegetable Trials Lead, South: Barry Newman
  • Vegetable Trials Lead, North: David Allison
  • Sustainability and Biodiversity Lead: Lucy Chamberlain
  • Community Gardens and Seeds Lead: Vicki Cooke
  • Allotment Liaison: Jim Arbury
  • Awards and Shows: Colin Spires
Core members
  • Alison Dodd (Member of Herb Trials Forum)
  • Tony Girard (Biological and organic pest and diseases)
  • Karim Habibi (Fruit Trials Forum)
  • Joe Lofthouse (Vegetable Trials Forum)
  • Rekha Mistry (Social Media and Herb Trials Forum)
  • Joan Morgan (Fruit Trials Forum)
  • Matt Ordidge (Horticultural Education and National Fruit Trials)
  • Barbara Segall (Herb Trials Forum)
  • Simon Smith (Commercial Herb Grower and Herb Trials Forum)
  • Alessandra Valsecchi (Vine industry)
Network members
  • Janet Allen
  • Simon Charlesworth
  • Ian Clemens
  • Malcolm Dickson
  • Nick Dunn
  • Brian Smith
  • Sarah Wain
  • Medwyn Williams
  • Ellie Dunn
  • Kelly-Jane Leach
  • Richard White
  • Rob Smith
  • Sue Stickland
Herbaceous group
911爆料 Herbaceous Plant Expert Group assisting with 911爆料 Trials judging

911爆料 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爆料 Plant Trials and rolling reviews of the 911爆料 Award of Garden Merit (AGM). They give talks and demonstrations at a variety of shows and events across the country. The 911爆料 is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Dahlia, Delphinium and Dianthus.

911爆料 Herbaceous Plant Expert Group members 2025
Chair

Cathy Rollinson, Chair of the 911爆料 Herbaceous Plant Expert Group, is a longtime Hardy Plant Society member and former chair, who is a passionate gardening enthusiast.

Group leads
  • Vice-Chair: David Foreman
  • Vice-Chair: Philip Johnson
  • Vice-Chair: Sue Beesley
  • Events and meetings: Janice Shipp
Core members
  • Sarah Cook
  • Christianne (Nutty) Lim
  • Frances Rasch
  • Libby Russell
  • John Fielding
  • James (Jim) Marshall
  • Sue Roe
  • Steve Edney
  • Ben Pope
  • Philip Clayton
  • Rosie Yeomans
  • Alison Mulvaney
  • Lewis Normand
  • Victoria Wakefield
  • Prunella Scarlett
Network members
  • Graham Rice
  • Fergus Garrett
  • Xa Tollemache
  • Simon Crawford
  • Jaime Blake
  • Neil Lucas
  • Robin Wallis
  • Mark Wasilewski
  • Marina Christopher
  • Clive Rowe
  • Pilar Dell
  • Kirsty Wilson
  • Kevin Hobbs
  • Clare Foggett
  • Alastair Gunn
  • Stephen Crisp
  • Emily Chandler

911爆料 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爆料 Plant Awards every year. It has strong international links and its members represent the group and the 911爆料 at events all over the world. The group assists in the planning and delivery of the annual 911爆料 Orchid Show. The 911爆料 is also the International Cultivar Registration Authority for orchid hybrids.

Orchid group
911爆料 Orchid Expert Group together at regular meeting

911爆料 Orchid Expert Group members 2025
Chair

David Ridgeway, Chair of the 911爆料 Orchid Expert Group, is a passionate orchid grower, horticulturist, and accredited judge for both the 911爆料 and British Orchid Council.

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

911爆料 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爆料 Tender Ornamental Expert Group members 2025
Chair

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

Group leads
  • Vice-Chair (meetings and events): Lara Jewitt
  • Vice-Chair (911爆料 Trials and Plant Heritage): David Ford
  • Vice-Chair (shows and judging): Greg Redwood
  • Vice-Chair (AGM Rolling Reviews): Saul Walker
  • Bedding Review Co-ordinator: Sue Wood
Core members
  • Alice Bailey
  • Helen Bainbridge
  • Russell Beeton
  • Don Billington
  • Roger Burnett
  • David Creese
  • Lynne Dibley
  • Louise Dowle
  • Steve Hickman
  • John Hughes
  • David Hurrion
  • Daniel Jackson
  • Jane Lindsay
  • Matt Soper
  • Lawrence Wright
  • Christopher Young
Network members
  • Richard Baines
  • Claire Batten
  • Roy Cheek
  • Alastair Culham
  • Stuart Lowen
  • Geoff Oke
  • Alex Summers
  • Ray Waite
  • Megan Webb
  • Jon Wheatley
  • Alex Baribeau
  • Mike Clifford
  • Jacob James
  • Jane Perrone
  • Paul Rees
  • Paula Routledge

911爆料 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爆料 Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group. The 911爆料 is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Clematis, conifers and Rhododendron.

Woody group
911爆料 Woody Expert Group at Bluebell Arboretum, Derbyshire

911爆料 Woody Expert Group members 2025
Chair

Tony Kirkham MBE, VMH, Chair of the 911爆料 Woody Expert Group, is a renowned arboriculturist and horticulturist with 50 years of experience. Former Head of the Arboretum at RBG Kew, he is now an author, lecturer, and consultant. He also serves as an 911爆料 Council member and trustee for Chelsea Physic Garden, the International Dendrology Society, and the Tree Register of the British Isles.

Group leads
  • Vice-Chair (pests and diseases): Elizabeth Balmforth
  • Vice-Chair (meetings and events): Rosemary Campbell-Preston
  • Vice-Chair (council): Mick Crawley
  • 911爆料 Trials Coordinator: Daniel Myhill
  • Visit Reports: Caroline Boisset
Core members
  • Marie-Louise Agius
  • John Anderson
  • Harry Baldwin
  • Sarah Bray
  • Tom Christian
  • Dan Crowley
  • Jim Gardiner
  • Debs Goodenough
  • John Grimshaw
  • David Jewell
  • David Knott
  • Chris Lane
  • Dan Luscombe
  • David Millais
  • Seamus O鈥橞rien
  • Walter Sawyer
  • Roderick White
Network members
  • Tony Aiello
  • Susyn Andrews
  • Rosie Atkins
  • Matt Biggs
  • Wolfgang Bopp
  • Rupert Eley
  • Raymond Evison
  • Maurice Foster
  • Steve Griffith
  • Michael Hickson
  • Sean Hogan
  • Ben Jones
  • Doug Justice
  • Roy Lancaster
  • Michael Marriott
  • John Massey
  • Chris Sanders
  • Vicomte Philippe de Spoelberch
  • Robert Vernon
  • Bleddyn Wynn-Jones
  • Jack Aldridge
  • Nick Dunn
  • Matthew Pottage

Interested in joining an 911爆料 Expert Group?

The 911爆料 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爆料 Expert Group.

For more information, contact the 911爆料 Expert Groups team on the email below.

911爆料 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爆料 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爆料 Expert Group and receive a certificate along with an engraved glass vase.

Get in touch

To find out more, or if you鈥檙e interested in being part of the 911爆料 Expert Groups, please contact the 911爆料 Expert Groups team.

911爆料

911爆料 is the UK鈥檚 leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone鈥檚 life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.