HORTISTRY launches pilot propagation masterclasses for professionals
The newly formed cross-sector working group HORTISTRY has announced the launch of a pilot series of Propagation Masterclasses, aimed exclusively at professional horticulturists. The sessions will take place in April 2026 at two locations in the East and West of England.
Designed to support the development and transfer of specialist horticultural skills, the masterclasses will focus on practical propagation techniques delivered by experienced industry practitioners. According to HORTISTRY, the initiative aims to encourage collaborative learning while helping to safeguard technical knowledge for future generations of professionals.
Each masterclass will be limited to 40 participants, with attendees rotating through small practical groups to ensure hands-on experience and close interaction with instructors. Techniques will be demonstrated with professional application in mind, including considerations of efficiency and scalability for commercial and institutional settings.
The sessions will be free to attend, but participation is restricted to practising horticultural professionals. Interested applicants are required to complete a brief registration form to confirm eligibility. The deadline to register interest is 27 March 2026.
Eastern Masterclass – Essex
The Masterclass EAST will be held at Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens on 18 April 2026, running from 9:30am to 5:00pm. The programme will cover grafting of woody plants, seed sowing, cuttings and bulb chipping.
Instruction will be provided by a range of propagation specialists, including Brian Humphrey OBE VMH (grafting), Harry Hoblyn and Dave West (seed sowing), Emily Allard (bulb chipping) and Debbie Alcock (cuttings). Additional support will be provided by industry figures including Tony Kirkham MBE VMH, Jack Aldridge, Matthew Pottage MHort and Sheila Das.
Western Masterclass – Bristol
The Masterclass WEST will take place at Jekka’s Herb Farm on the same date, 18 April 2026, running from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The focus will be on seed sowing, softwood cuttings and fruit tree grafting, alongside plant conservation practices.
Practical sessions will be led by Jon Wheatley MBE VMH (seed sowing), Nick Dunn VMH (fruit tree grafting), Jekka McVicar VMH (softwood cuttings) and Chris Trimmer (plant conservation).
Refreshments and lunch will be provided at both venues, and participants will have the opportunity to explore the host gardens and nurseries following the sessions.