UK: Who will become the 2017 Young Horticulturist of the Year?

This year the Chartered Institute of Horticulture Young Horticulturist of the Year competition returns to its roots for the 27th annual competition final. The Grand Final is to be held on May 6th at the University Centre Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury was home to Percy Thrower whose Trust provides an impressive £2500 travel bursary to the competition winner each year, alongside major sponsorship from the Shropshire Horticultural Society.

The competition was last held in Shrewsbury in 2000 with its winner, Mark Harwood-Browne, going on to visit Madeira. Mark is currently thriving within his horticultural career as Head of Horticulture at Hartpury College.

“Winning the 2016 competition has helped me immensely in securing my new job at Tregothnan, on graduating RHS Wisley in August. YHOY is an invaluable platform for young horticulturists to expand their knowledge. Taking part in the competition exposes you to other talented and knowledgeable young horticulturists as well as seasoned pros alike.” 2016 YHOY winner Lawrence Wright.

Lawrence is currently working as horticulturist & plantsman at the Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall and is planning a trip to Australia with his £2500.

“Every year I look forward to the Chartered Institute of Horticultures Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both students of horticulture and those working in the industry to display their plant knowledge and meet fellow horticulturists. I encourage all those who are eligible to participate and I wish the best of good fortune to all those taking part!” CIH President, Dr Owen Doyle CHort FCIHort

Are you a young horticulturist interested in travelling the world? Or do you see the YHOY competition as a valuable sponsorship opportunity? Email yhoy@horticulture.org.u k or visit www.horticulture.org.uk for more details.

The national sponsors of the YHOY competition are The Shropshire Horticultural Society, who are the major sponsors of the competition, as well as MorePeople and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) who all generously provide sponsorship throughout the duration of the competition. There are also many fantastically generous regional sponsors behind the scenes supporting the heats and regional finals.