The Young Horticulturist of the Year competition provides new talent with the opportunities to test their knowledge and meet fellow horticulturists across the UK and Ireland.
The winner of the competition gains the title of ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ and will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society. The winner can undertake a trip, anywhere in the world, to study, complete work experience or embark on visits related to their chosen field of horticulture.
The final will take place at the Historic Royal Palace, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Northern Ireland, on Saturday, the 10th of 2025.
The 2025 finalists are:
- Ireland: Sarah Simpson, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, Dublin
- Scotland: Frank Cooke, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, SRUC Edinburgh
- Northern: Otto Speight, Royal Horticultural Society Harlow Carr, Harrogate
- North-West North Wales: Matthew Thurgood, Leeds City Council, Parks and Countryside
- Eastern Charlotte Hayden: English Heritage Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
- West-Midlands South Wales: George Gaia Holmes, Private Cotswold Estate
- South-East: Anja Seymour, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
- South-West: Sam Finch, National Trust Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden, Somerset
National Organiser, Victoria George said: “I can’t believe another Grand Final has come around already! We have a great line up from across the regions, a fantastic venue; all we need now is some sunshine!
