IMAGE: (L to R) Maelor Owen, SHS Vice Chairman, David Richardson, Chartered Institute of Horticulture President, Sam Finch, West Midlands South Wales Region, Andrew Cross, SHS Committee
Rochdale Town Hall hosted the Grand Final on Saturday 16th May, where eight finalists competed across a series of challenging rounds for the national title. The 150‑year‑old Grade I listed building added a real sense of occasion, providing a distinctive backdrop for the day’s competition, where all eight finalists delivered strong performances, demonstrating impressive horticultural knowledge, composure, and technical skill throughout.
Sam is a passionate horticulturist with over a decade of experience in the industry. He began his career as a jobbing gardener, working alongside a wide range of horticulturists and developing a strong practical foundation. Having recently taken on the role of Head Gardener at Allt y Bela, Sam is focused on driving the garden forward and developing it as a vibrant hub for horticultural networking, learning, and engagement.
On winning, Sam said, “I’m so pleased to have won the YHoY competition, I’d encourage anyone who’s eligible to have a go, everyone is always lovely and there’s always something to learn!”
As the winner of this year’s competition, Sam receives the £2,500 travel Bursary provided by the Percy Thrower Trust, which he will be able to use to fund a horticultural venture anywhere in the world.
on driving the garden forward and developing it as a vibrant hub for horticultural networking, learning, and engagement.
On winning, Sam said, “I’m so pleased to have won the YHoY competition, I’d encourage anyone who’s eligible to have a go, everyone is always lovely and there’s always something to learn!”
As the winner of this year’s competition, Sam receives the £2,500 travel Bursary provided by the Percy Thrower Trust, which he will be able to use to fund a horticultural venture anywhere in the world.
IMAGE: (L to R) Maelor Owen, SHS Vice Chairman, David Richardson, Chartered Institute of Horticulture President, Adam Lilley, South-East, Sam Finch, West Midlands & South Wales, Frank Cooke, Scotland, Andrew Cross SHS Committee
2nd place, Adam Lilley, South-East
Adam is currently studying for his second year of the Wisley diploma. Adam’s main interests in horticulture are perennial vegetables, agroforestry, and ecological gardening.
3rd Place, Frank Cooke, Scotland
Frank has a strong interest in plant diversity, ecology, and evolutionary biology in tropical regions. His passion for plants began at a young age, growing fruit and vegetables at home, and quickly developed into an interest in unusual species such as carnivorous plants and carrion-mimicking succulents.
Runners up (in no particular order)
Rhys Green, Eastern
Rhys is a first-year horticultural student at Writtle, with 5 years of industry experience
Lauren Moore, Northern
Lauren is currently working as a horticulture tutor at Askham Bryan College
Oscar Mercer, South-West
Oscar has recently moved into a role working on a private estate
Chélirs Brecq, Ireland
Chélirs is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with South East Technological University at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin
Ruby Goodwin, North-West North Wales
Ruby is studying horticulture at Myerscough College. She is currently on a college work placement with Levens Hall garden
At the end of the day, the National Organiser said “Oh my giddy aunt… What a final! The top spot went back and forth a number of times across the last 2 rounds and it was anyone’s guess who was going to take it on the final reveal! Rochdale was a fantastic venue, and I would like to thank Shropshire Horticultural Society and our other sponsors on the day for tools, books and rubber ducks!”
We couldn’t run the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition without the generous support of our sponsors, and we are extremely grateful for their continued commitment.
- Shropshire Horticultural Society
- Percy Thrower Trust
- Rochdale Town Hall
- Bord Bia (Irish Food Board)
- Hampton by Hilton Hotels
- Westland Horticulture Ltd
- PlantNetwork
- Adrian Stockdale: ‘Plant Names Simplified’
- North of England Horticultural Society
- Cherry Lane Garden Centres
- Melcourt
- Collier Turf Care
- Brighter Blooms
- Hardy Landscapes
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Thorp Perrow Arboretum
- Astley Hall
- ARU Writtle
- WCG Pershore College
- Merrist Wood College and University Centre
- Eden Project
- CAFRE Greenmount College
You will also find a recording of the Grand Final on our website.
Next year’s Round 1 opens Monday 1st February 2027.
IMAGE: (L to R) Chélirs Brecq, Ireland, Adam Lilley, South-East, Oscar Mercer, South-West, Sam Finch, West Midlands South Wales, Victoria George, Young Horticulturist of the Year National Organiser, Frank Cooke, Scotland, Rhys Green, Eastern, Ruby Goodwin, North West North Wales, Lauren Moore, Northern