Kunming Botanic Garden

Kunming Botanic Garden. Photo by Leigh Morris

From 14th – 22nd November 35 staff from 20 of China’s Botanical Gardens have been attending a horticulture training course at Kunming Botanic Garden. This course has been arranged by the Chinese Union of Botanic Gardens (CUBG), with the aim of raising horticulture capacity throughout China’s Botanic Gardens.

The RBGE has had a historic relationship with China, which has developed from simply collecting plants to helping to conserve plants within China. As part of this RBGE will now work as a partner to develop and deliver horticultural training with CUBG and we are looking at the model of the RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture coupled with our Train the Trainer programme, so that our training input is maximised. The course at Kunming was a trial for how this could work, with members of RBGE staff, Leigh Morris and Martyn Dickson, travelling to Kunming to teach some of the CUBG course. Alongside the teaching, Leigh Morris also had the opportunity to meet with Dr Chen Jin, Director of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and Chair of the CUBG and Dr We-Bang Sun, Director of Kunming Botanic Garden to discuss the longer-term plans for this partnership

35 participants from 20 Chinese botanic gardens with Kunming & RBGE horticulture staff. CUBG horticulture course.

35 participants from 20 Chinese botanic gardens with Kunming & RBGE horticulture staff. CUBG horticulture course. Photo by Leigh Morris

Our arborist Martyn Dickson teaching seed sowing at Kunming BG horticulture course.

Arborist Martyn Dickson teaching seed sowing at Kunming BG horticulture course. Photo by Leigh Morris

Two staff from the RBGE field station in Lijiang, China, taking cuttings on Kunming horticulture course.

Two staff from the RBGE field station in Lijiang, China, taking cuttings on Kunming horticulture course. Photo by Leigh Morris

Chinese BG staff debating botanic garden priorities.

Chinese BG staff debating botanic garden priorities. Photo by Leigh Morris

Today's class at Kunming BG was pruning: Martyn Dickson delivering morning lecture

Martyn Dickson delivering morning lecture on pruning. Photo by Leigh Morris

...followed by lots of practical work in the afternoon at Kunming BG

…followed by lots of practical work in the afternoon at Kunming BG. Photo by Leigh Morris