With only 2 weeks to go until the Grand Final at the Historic Royal Palace, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, on Saturday 10th May, we are pleased to declare the Grand Finalists for 2025are:
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
We wish all our finalists the very best of luck!
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!”
The winner of the competition gains the prestige 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.
To find out more about the competition and how to take part next year, visit the Young Horticulturist of the Year page at https://www.horticulture.org.uk/young-horticulturist-of-the-year/
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2026 competition, please contact the Chartered Institute of Horticulture – Email: yhoy@horticulture.org.uk