According to the competition organisers, the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the finalists of the 2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition were well matched, with some of the categories, achieving the highest scores seen in the years of the competition. Finalist, Sarah Simpson, who, in their last eligible year, won through to take first place.
Simpson, is a horticulture technician at Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, where she is responsible for teaching the practical elements of courses and involved in the plant propagation, plant identification, landscape design, ecology and biodiversity modules. She continues to study part-time and will graduate from SETU with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture next year, currently focusing on the flora of different urban- industrial sites across Dublin that are earmarked for redevelopment as a thesis topic.
As the winner of this year’s competition, Simpson receives the £2,500 travel Bursary provided by the Percy Thrower Trust, which they will be able to use to fund a horticultural venture anywhere in the world.
“I am absolutely delighted to have won the Young Horticulturist of the Year 2025. I was up against fierce competition and want to congratulate everyone on their performance in the finale. It was no easy win! I’m very excited to see where the Percy Thrower bursary will take me (Madagascar?). I recommend entering the competition to any young horticulturist, it’s a great way to test your own knowledge and I’ve met some wonderful likeminded people along the way. I want to thank my colleagues in the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture for their support, particularly Paul Fitters who has been a fantastic mentor. I’d also like to thank Victoria George, who has been extremely patient, kind and supportive throughout the contest,” said Simpson.
Second place went to Sam Finch, Finalist for South-East Region – is the youngest ever Head Gardener with the National Trust, working at both Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden. With a particular passion for roses and a
commitment to organic horticulture, Finch brings both knowledge and heart to the historic landscapes he tends.
Third place was taken by Frank Cooke this year’s Scottish Region Finalist. Cooke is a first year Horticulture and Plantsmanship student at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Scotland’s Rural College. Frank is particularly interested in plant biodiversity and taxonomy, especially of tropical plants. As well as being a student, he also volunteers as a glasshouse horticulturist working with the tropical Ericaceae collection at RBGE.
National Organiser, Victoria George said “Oh my giddy aunt, what a Grand Final! We had an amazing venue, wonderful weather, fantastic hosts, knowledgeable finalists and a brilliant audience to boot, you couldn’t ask for better! I am so pleased for Sarah, not only a win on home turf, but in their final year of eligibility for the competition, the Ireland Region Grand Final will take some beating in the future!”
