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Aug 08

Asexual Plant Propagation: Principles and Practical Techniques

This is an elective course and provides 4 hours toward the completion of the Certificate in Native Plants program.
You do not need to be pursuing the Certificate to enroll in this class.
***This class includes a $15 materials fee in the price***

Overhill Gardens
1404 Citico Rd, Vonore, TN 37885
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Aug 08, 2026 11:30am ET - Aug 08, 2026 03:00pm ET

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$55.00 - $65.00

SEE FULL CLASS DETAILS BELOW


Class Description:

Most of us have grown — or tried to grow — plants from seed. But did you know there’s another way to propagate some of our favorite natives? And do you know how?

With this class, you will!

This half-day, elective course introduces principles and practices of asexual plant propagation — a method of plant reproduction that does not use seeds or spores, but rather a portion of the plant’s vegetative parts, such as stems, leaves or roots.

We’ll explore the science and techniques of vegetative propagation and we’ll gain an understanding of why it is important in horticulture. We’ll also learn how environmental conditions, stock plant health, hygiene practices, and propagation media influence successful outcomes.

The practical portion of the course will focus on stem cuttings and plant division techniques, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience in collecting suitable plant material and producing a batch of cuttings for propagation. Grafting, budding, and tissue culture will also be introduced to provide a broader understanding of propagation systems.

Our instructor will be Kevin Roberts, and our learning classroom will be Overhill Gardens, a native plants nursery in Vonore, Tenn. (And, yes, plant shopping is encouraged before or after the class!!!) 

*Note: Overhill is approximately 100 miles or 2 hrs 10 min from Chattanooga so plan ahead for travel time! Carpooling is also encouraged*


What to bring with you:

Waterproof nitrile gloves. Pruning shears or hand pruners for collecting material and taking cuttings. A sharp edged hand knife such as a penknife.

Dress appropriately for the weather and hands-on activities. Be sure to bring any snacks and water for the trip and class.


Registration Policy: 

As with all CNP classes, class size is limited. To give everyone the best opportunity to participate, there is a non-refundable cancellation fee of $10, with the balance refunded if you cancel at least 7 calendar days before the class will be held. If the class is cancelled by the instructor or the CNP program, registrants will get a full refund.



Instructor: Kevin Roberts, Horticulturalist and Plant Propagation Specialist


Kevin Roberts’ career in horticulture began at an early age, working with his father and grandfather in a market garden business in the United Kingdom. He attended Silsoe Agricultural College in Bedfordshire, UK, completing an apprenticeship in Commercial Landscaping while also studying Modern Horticultural Practices through the Royal Horticultural Society program, graduating in 1993.

After several years at a local garden center and two years maintaining the grounds of a country estate in Bedfordshire, Kevin established and operated his own landscape business until immigrating to the United States in 2004. He worked several years as a supervisor with TruGreen LandCare, then joined Overhill Gardens in Vonore, Tenn., where he eventually focused on the vegetative propagation of a large collection of native plant species.

During his 12 years at Overhill, Kevin developed and refined successful commercial propagation techniques for a wide range of native flora, including many species considered challenging to propagate.