ARU Writtle student Rhys triumphs on 'home turf'
Student reaches national final of Young Horticulturist of the Year competition
ARU Writtle student Rhys Green is celebrating after reaching the national final of the prestigious Young Horticulturist of the Year (YHoY) competition.
The competition, run by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH), is open to anyone studying or working in horticulture under the age of 30 and is recognised as an important platform for identifying and supporting emerging talent within the profession.
Rhys, 22, booked his place in the national final on 16 May after winning the Eastern Regional Final, which was held at ARU Writtle, near Chelmsford.
The other regional finalists were William Charity, a senior horticulturist from Markshall Estate, who was runner-up; Jack McKoen a trainee gardener from the Bedford Estate at Woburn Abbey Gardens, who finished third; Ross Gildea, a landscaping and machinery horticulturist at Cambridge University Botanic Garden; and Rhys’ fellow ARU Writtle BSc (Hons) Horticulture students Lucy Carr and Boris Shaw.
Finalists were tested across a broad range of disciplines, including plant identification and their knowledge of pests, weeds and diseases. They also took part in quickfire rounds on topics covering horticultural practice, managed landscape and design, ornamental and amenity horticulture and sustainability.
“Winning the YHoY Eastern Regional Final is a really significant moment for me in my horticultural studies.
“It was exciting to test my knowledge and see which areas I need to focus on. I learnt that I need to work on my tree legislation, and I’d like to broaden my knowledge with regard to plant identification, so it was a useful learning opportunity as well as being good fun.”
Rhys Green, first year BSc (Hons) Horticulture student at ARU Writtle, speaking after winning the competition
“We’d like to thank our sponsors, Hardy Landscapes, Collier Turf Care, Melcourt and Cherry Lane Garden Centres, our hosts at ARU Writtle and our fellow CIH Eastern Branch committee members for creating a successful event which highlights the tremendous young talent we have in our industry.
“It was quite competitive at times and with so much youthful energy and commitment on display, we’re sure the future of horticulture is in good hands.”
CIH event organiser Melanie TaylorThe competition finalists and their guests were also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of ARU Writtle’s gardens and glasshouses.
“As a seasoned horticulturist, it’s an absolute delight seeing these young people throwing themselves into the spirit of this competition and putting themselves on the line with what were some really tough questions.
“What an amazing opportunity for us at ARU Writtle to host, network with and encourage the next generation of gardeners here in our environment and to cement our links with the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.”
Christine Lavelle, Lecturer in Horticulture at ARU WrittleAnglia Ruskin University’s Writtle campus, located just outside Chelmsford, is a leading centre for agricultural and horticultural courses at college, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.