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.
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
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.
The rest of the results were:
- 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.
The 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.
Victoria George, National Organiser, said: “The top spot went back and forth a number of times across the last two 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.”
You can find a recording of the Grand Final at www.horticulture.org.uk
