Grand showing for young horticulturist in national finals

John Grundy, a 20-year-old Foundation Degree student in Horticulture, represented the North West at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition organised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

20-year-old Foundation Degree student, John Grundy represented the North West and North Wales in the eight person final organised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

John performed superbly in the final taking the highest number of points in the plant identification round and finishing just two points away from 2nd place overall.

Assistant Head of Greenspace at Myerscough College, Kate Lynch, commented: “John has done unbelievably well not just in the Grand Final but also in the regional finals where he was the clear winner. He absolutely aced the plant identification round and his skills as a plantsman and horticulturist have really helped to enhance Myerscough’s reputation as one of the leading Horticultural Colleges.”

More than 1,800 young horticulturists from all over the UK and Ireland entered the event this year, and the eight finalists battled their way through both local heats and regional finals. They answered a wide range of horticultural questions in the Grand Final to compete for the much sought after title and the £2,500 Percy Thrower Travel Bursary. The award enables the competition winner to undertake a trip, anywhere in the world, to study a subject related to their chosen field of horticulture. Additionally, there were cash prizes for all finalists.

This annual competition is organised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the only professional body representing all aspects of horticulture. The Institute founded the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition shortly after it was established as a way of encouraging and rewarding excellence among those starting out in a career in horticulture and today nearly 2000 young people under the age of 30 participate each year.