GLAS Special: Advance your career with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture
Joseph Croke, chair of CIH Ireland, explains how the institute provides a personalised route to chartership, supporting growth and professional development for all
Print17 July 2025
The Institute of Horticulture was established in 1984 with the aim of fostering a close relationship between all sectors of professional horticulture throughout Ireland and the UK. On 21 July 2014 the Institute became Chartered, it is now known as the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH).
Chartership has improved the status of horticulture as a profession for Irish Horticulturists in all sectors including Landscape Design and Construction, Nursery Stock Production, Sports Turf and many more Horticulture sectors.
The organisation highlights to the government and the wider public that Horticulture demands high level skills and continuing professional development.
CIH members and students looking at the Euro Trials at Ashtown Research station with Dr Paul Fitters
Being a member of the CIH confirms that the horticulturist and their business is truly professional, carrying similar standing to other chartered professions and professional bodies.
Role and aims of CIH
- Promote the profession of horticulture and the professionalism of those working in the industry
- Act as an authoritative body; consulting with Government and other policy making bodies on matters of interest or concern to professional horticulturists
- Confer recognised status upon professionally qualified and experienced horticulturists
- Promote educational and training opportunities and encourage the development of all disciplines within horticulture
- Co-operate with other bodies on matters of common concern
- Disseminate information on matters affecting the profession and provide opportunities for discussion amongst horticulturists through the website, publications, conferences, seminars etc.
- Unite Horticulturists and give our members bargaining power and national recognition.
Ireland study tour at Hillsborough Gardens
The Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition, held March 24 2025, in Ashtown Research Centre was brilliant, with students coming from all over Ireland north and south, with the proud Irish winner, Sarah Simpson, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin.
VIP tours were given of Ashtown Research by Dr Paul Fitters and Dr Sandra Austin at the Ireland Final. The event is sponsored annually by Bord Bia.
Simpson also represented Ireland at the international final on May 10 2025 in Belfast and emerged victorious.
Sarah Simpson and others at the CIH Young Horticulturists of the Year (YHOY) 2025, Ashtown Research Centre with her YHOY Ireland award
Career development
The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) offers tiered membership levels—Associate, Member, Fellow, and Chartered—reflecting professional development stages. Membership fees start at just €62 annually for early career horticulturists (within their first five years), while students join for free.
Members can use their professional title on cards, emails, and promotional materials. Benefits include exclusive access to horticultural industry visits across all regions, a quarterly magazine, elite networking opportunities, and members-only webinars on diverse horticultural topics.
In 2024, CIH marked its 40th anniversary with a standout AGM at Kew Gardens, featuring speakers like award-winning Pat Fitzgerald, and Alan Sargent FCIHort, who reflected on 50 years in landscaping. The 2024 annual study tour took members to top sites in the greater Belfast area, including Horatio’s Garden, Hillsborough Gardens, Bangor Castle Walled Gardens, and more.
The 2025 CIH Ireland study tour will take place in the Kildare region this August, alongside exclusive regional events across Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.
The CIH is the only professional body in Ireland and the UK currently awarding chartered status. Visit www.horticulture.org.uk or email ireland@horticulture.org.uk for more information. The CIH is a registered charity. E&OE.
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