Sarah Simpson, a horticulture technician at Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in Dublin, has been crowned the 2025 Young Horticulturist of the Year. The prestigious final took place at the historic Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, a Georgian estate renowned for its diplomatic legacy and stunning 90-acre grounds.
Sarah, in her final year of eligibility, triumphed in a fiercely competitive final, showcasing exceptional knowledge and passion for sustainable landscape design. Alongside her teaching role, she is completing a BSc in Horticulture at SETU, focusing her thesis on urban flora in redevelopment zones across Dublin.
As winner, Sarah receives the £2,500 Percy Thrower Bursary to fund a horticultural venture abroad. “I’m absolutely delighted,” she said. “It was a tough competition, and I’m grateful to my mentors and peers for their support.”
Second place went to Sam Finch, the youngest ever National Trust Head Gardener, and third to Frank Cooke, a student at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Finalists from across the UK and Ireland were celebrated for their diverse talents and dedication to horticulture.
The event, hosted by Historic Royal Palaces, highlighted the next generation of horticultural leaders in a setting steeped in history and natural beauty.
