6 Pack Award

The award is open to anyone who is ‘relatively new’ to working in commercial ornamental horticulture or is currently studying to enter the industry. Up to six places are available, and IPPS Europe will cover all hotel and conference fees, plus contribute to travel costs. During the conference, one 6-packer will be chosen, following a short informal interview, to take part in the IPPS International Exchange scheme, giving them the opportunity to attend the annual conference in the Eastern region of North America in 2026.

“Attending the IPPS Conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet and mix with leading growers from across Europe,” commented Karl O’Neill, former IPPS Europe President. “The opportunities opened up by this award have inspired many young horticulturalists within the industry”.

For further information or an application form, please contact admin@ippseurope.org. Application forms can also be downloaded from www.ippseurope.org. The closing date for applications is Friday 13th June.

Entry Requirements:

1. Anyone new to working in horticulture or studying to enter the horticultural industry.
2. Based in Europe.
3. The candidate can apply directly to the IPPS; however, nominations and / or approval should also come from either the candidate’s employer or tutor, whichever is more applicable.
4. Willing to assist the conference organisers throughout the duration of the conference and may be asked to carry out certain duties which may include photography, report writing, blogging, writing press releases, helping at registration, managing audio visual equipment, managing groups on the nursery visits.

The Prize:

1. Six selected candidates will be invited to attend the European Annual Conference being held in Peterborough and Spalding area, visiting nurseries and attending talks from industry professionals.
2. Full board and lodgings, conference costs and a contribution to travel costs.
3. The selected candidates will gain the opportunity to apply for the 2026 International Exchange award. Hereby, one 6 packer candidate will be chosen to travel to, & attend, the annual conference in the Eastern region of North America. The application will take the form of undergoing a short informal interview with members of the IPPS committee at the 2025 annual conference. The candidate that mostly impresses the team will receive the major travel award.

How to apply:

1. The candidates should complete the form by clicking on the link 6 Pack Award Application Form
2. The deadline for applications is 30th June 2025

Applications will be inspected by a team of industry professionals. There are 6 places available and only offered if the IPPS requirements and standards are met. The selected candidates will be notified by e-mail, of the outcome of their application

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Rose Bowl Award

The Rose Bowl is awarded each year to the person who, in the opinion of the current GB&I Region President, has best exemplified the IPPS motto of seeking and sharing and who has done most to promote the interests of IPPS and of professionalism in plant propagation and production or ornamental horticulture more widely. The recipient may or may not be a member of IPPS.

The Rose Bowl itself was a gift to the GB&I Region from Jim Wells, the founding father of IPPS, in 1973.

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Robert Garner Award

This award recognises the contribution of the ‘hands-on’ propagator to the horticulture industry. It was instigated in 1993 to mark the silver jubilee of the GB&I Region of IPPS.

An award is made every five years and the recipient is chosen by the past five GB&I Presidents, to a person from the ‘cutting face’ of propagation who they believe has most helped to develop propagation craft skills by passing on their experience and techniques. The recipient may or may not be an IPPS member.

In 1993 five awards were presented to represent the 25 years of IPPS in Great Britain and Ireland.

Robert Garner helped to start the Great Britain and Ireland Region of IPPS and was for 30 years chief propagator at East Malling Research Station where he was instrumental in the development of the internationally-known series of East Malling fruit tree rootstocks.

He wrote the The Grafter’s Handbook, regarded as a key reference on the subject and developed the ‘Garner bin’ for rooting hardwood cuttings.

He is remembered for his ability to help others learn and share propagation techniques.