TV presenter David Domoney has called on the garden industry to restyle its image if it wants to attract new blood.

Domoney was speaking at the annual conference of the Institurte of Horticulture at Capel Manor Gardens.

Taking inspiration from careers in the nursing and fire service sectors, he said that horticulture needed to promote how it meets young people’s aspirations. He suggested representing horticultural careers to reflect  Kids' Key Performance Indicators – money, self-respect, respect among peers, excitement and the keys to independence.  

The IoH used the conference to highlight its campaign to inspire young people about careers in horticulture and demonstrated the on-going support it provided to professional horticulturists in their progression through the many rewarding career paths in the industry.

Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE, former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Defra, delivered the IoH James Bruce Memorial. He said “Horticulture is hot!” There is huge potential for British horticulture but to be the best the industry needs “investment, innovation, technology, research and skills."

Gerald Bonner, General Manager for Coblands, gave top tips on recruiting and retaining horticultural apprentices, highlighting the need to invest in apprentices’ terms and conditions, including their studies, and keeping apprenticeships relevant, reflecting the contemporary demands of young horticulturists.

The conference was preceded by the Institute’s AGM at which Leigh Morris FI Hort was appointed as the new IoH President. Leigh said: “I am totally delighted to have taken on the role of IoH President. With the petition for Chartered status recently submitted, and a marketing plan and recruitment strategy being drafted and the current ramping up of the Grow Careers initiative, administered by the IoH, it is certainly exciting times immediately ahead, both for myself and the IoH"

The conference was a sell-out with over 90 delegates, including both members and non-members, representing a wide range of sectors across the industry. A series of expert speakers maintained the IoH reputation for delivering high quality conferences which bring together likeminded professional horticulturists and students to tackle industry issues and hot topics.

IoH President Leigh Morriswith previous competitors & winners of the IoH Young Horticulturist of the Year.