Sam Finch has been crowned the 2026 Young Horticulturist of the Year!

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.

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

To follow the journey of our competitors and the 2026 competition visit us on
Facebook.com/CIHort
Instagram.com/cihort
Linkedin.com/company/the-chartered-institute-of-horticulture

You will also find a recording of the Grand Final on our website www.horticulture.org.uk

Next year’s Round 1 opens Monday 1st February 2027