Young horticulturist of the year

This can be your chance to pick up the Young Horticulturist of the Year award.

Historically, over 1,000 people who are employed in production or environmental horticulture, and anyone studying for a horticultural qualification can enter - and it could be you.

This might be your chance to become the next Alan Titchmarsh or Charlie Dimmock. Seriously, there are many unsung heroes around the British Isles who maintain anything from a few square metres to stately homes. It is a challenging and skilful but most of all rewarding occupation. My early days in gardening and attendance of Merrist Wood nr Guildford were some of the most interesting and informative.

You have to be a certain breed but you could be the next Young Horticulturist of the Year.

The competition is run in three phases: local heats, Regional Finals and the National Final which is held at a different venue each year in late April or early May.

Local heats are based on multiple choice questions on a wide range of horticultural topics. The heats take place at colleges, garden centres and anywhere else where competitors may gather. Heat winners go forward to local Regional Finals.

In these, a quiz master asks questions, some on a buzzer, some individually. Everyone gets a chance to shine, as the questions cover all areas of horticulture.

The winner of each Regional Final goes forward to the Young Horticulturist of the Year national final. The format is the same as for the Regional Finals. Again, the questions are drawn from all branches of horticulture.

Here are the details If you would like to get involved Contact Erin Taylor at the IoH, 14-15 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS, Tel / Fax 020 7245 6943, email ioh@horticulture.org.uk and she will put contestants in touch with their local organiser.