Winner of Young Horticulturist of the Year

Jonathan Zerr becomes the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year! Hestercombe was an amazing venue, and we were lucky to be bathed in sunshine all day. The knowledge across this year’s finalists was spectacular, and the competition could have gone in any direction, however, it was Jonathan Zerr, from the Eastern Region who pulled out in front of the pack in the last round to take the top spot. Jonathan Zerr, Eastern, being presented his Bulldog Tools and First Place Certificate by Chartered Institute of Horticulture President David Richardson (L) and James Hodgson of the Shropshire Horticultural Society (R) Jonathan holds an RHS Level 4 Diploma and is currently splitting his time between Helmingham Hall and Benton End in Suffolk where he is working towards his aspiration of managing historic plant collections and fostering cultural heritage and biodiversity within a historic garden setting. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet like-minded gardeners at the Grand Final. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation, and despite the competitive nature of the event, there was a strong sense of camaraderie among the finalists. Representatives of the CIH emphasized the importance of utilising the final as a networking opportunity, so throughout the day, finalists and attendees alike exchanged insights and perspectives on the challenges facing the industry”