The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) has launched the 2016 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition (YHoY). Now is the time for young horticulturists who will be under the age of 30 by July 31 2016 to enter the YHoY heats taking place around the UK and Ireland. The heats are open to students of horticulture and young horticultural professionals working in the industry. The winner of the competition will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society, to undertake a trip, anywhere in the world, to study a subject related to their chosen field of horticulture. There are three ways of taking part: attend one of the heats taking place in colleges and venues throughout the Institute’s eight branches, at a work-place with a Chartered Institute of Horticulture approved supervisor or via SKYPE. The closing date for entries is 1 February 2016.
With prizes at every stage of the competition, competitors have a number of chances to get cash rewards for their efforts, plus there are lots of opportunities to meet and network with other young horticulturists along the way. The competition is run in three phases: local heats, regional finals and the Grand Final, each with questions covering a wide range of horticultural subjects. Heat winners go forward to one of eight regional finals, and the winner of each regional final progresses to the Grand Final which will be held on 7 May 2016 at the fabulous Glasnevin Botanic Gardens, Dublin.
To find out more about the competition and how to take part visit the Young Horticulturist of the Year pages at www.horticulture.org.uk