Merrist Wood College was proud to host the South-East Regional Final of the Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition last week, welcoming some of the region’s most talented young growers and plant enthusiasts for an inspiring and competitive event.
Organised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the competition is open to anyone under the age of 30 who is working or studying in horticulture. It offers a valuable platform for emerging professionals to test their knowledge, celebrate their passion for plants, and connect with peers from across the UK and Ireland who are building careers in the industry.
The regional final marks the second stage of the competition. Finalists earned their place by successfully completing an online heat consisting of 40 questions covering a broad range of topics, including plant identification, soils, plant maintenance, turf, propagation and garden history.
At Merrist Wood College, seven finalists competed in front of an expert adjudication panel. The event featured a challenging plant identification round alongside a fast-paced quiz, where participants raced to buzz in and secure points.
Taking first place was Adam Lilly from the Royal Horticultural Society’s RHS Garden Wisley, who now progresses to the Grand Final in May.
The overall winner of the national competition will be awarded the prestigious Percy Thrower Travel Bursary, worth £2,500. The bursary provides a unique opportunity to travel anywhere in the world to explore plants, landscapes and horticultural practices.
The event also welcomed industry attendees, with Jo Manser, Group Director of Landbased Faculty and Merrist Wood College, and Richard Cant, Curriculum Manager, leading tours of Merrist Wood College’s facilities. Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting people working in horticulture, was also in attendance to highlight the vital support they provide to those facing challenges within the industry.
Jo Manser said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome such talented and passionate young horticulturists to Merrist Wood College for this year’s South-East Regional Final.
“Competitions like this play an important role in nurturing the next generation of industry professionals, giving them the opportunity to showcase their knowledge, build confidence and connect with others who share their passion.
“We are proud to support initiatives that highlight the breadth of opportunity within horticulture and help inspire future careers in this vital and growing sector.”
The South-East Regional Final showcased not only the depth of knowledge among the next generation of horticulturists, but also the strength and passion of the industry.
