Round 1 of the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHoY) is well underway and the closing date - Thursday 29th February - is approaching fast!  We have a new platform, a new look registration and single link access to the round making it quick and easy to register and take part! 

The competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland, who is under 30 on 31st July 2024.  Whether you are a student, apprentice or working in the industry, or know someone who is, this is a fantastic opportunity to test your horticultural knowledge and network with a wide range of individuals from across the industry.

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.

The Grand Final will be held on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at Hestercombe House and Gardens, Taunton.

Hestercombe has a rich and diverse history, with the first written record of the estate in 682.  It is famous for its unique collection of gardens which span three centuries of garden history and design, first mentioned in a medieval charter in 1249. The formal Garden is hailed as one of the finest examples of the world-renowned partnership of Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens, skilfully restored to its originally glory after the original Jekyll planting plans were discovered undisturbed in the potting shed for nearly 70 years when restoration. 

Victoria George, the National Organiser, said “it is another exciting year, Round 1 is in full swing and entries are racking up from the colleges and industry across the whole of the UK and Ireland. It has been great to see such a wide range of entrants, and I can’t wait to announce the Round 1 winners on Friday 1st March”.

To find out more about the competition and how to take part, visit the Young Horticulturist of the Year page or contact the UK Chartered Institute of Horticulture.