The Chartered Institute of Horticulture launches the Young Horticulturists of the Year 2024 (YHoY) Competition, with online Round 1 opening for entries on Thursday 1 February 2024. The link can be found on our website and social media.

The competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland who will be under 30 years of age on 31 July 2024. Whether you are a student, apprentice or working in the industry, this is a fantastic opportunity to test your knowledge of horticulture and network with a wide range of people from across the industry.

The winner of the competition will be awarded the prestigious title of 'Young Horticulturist of the Year' and will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by Shropshire Horticultural Society. The winner will be able to undertake a trip, to any part of the world, to study, do internships or make visits related to the chosen field of horticulture.

The Grand Final will take place on Thursday 9 May 2024, which will be held 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 spanning three centuries of garden history and design, first mentioned in a medieval charter of 1249. The 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 former splendor after Jekyll's original planting plans were discovered intact in the potting shed after almost 70 years.

Victoria George, the national organizer of the competition, said: “Having studied garden design at university, I am very excited about this year's venue! “I can’t wait to provide an incredible day for the contestants and guests and crown another Young Horticulturist of the Year.”

For more information about the competition and how to enter, visit the Young Horticulturist of the Year the Chartered Institute of Horticulture webpage.