The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has revealed the winners of the 2024 HTA Grower of the Year Awards at Horticulture, The Conference, held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.
Twelve awards were presented across six categories, celebrating outstanding achievements in the horticultural industry. Among the top winners were Majestic Trees, which took home the Blooming Marvellous Employer and Life Beyond Peat awards; David Austin Roses and Double H Nurseries jointly won the Plant Producer award, while Provender Nurseries won the Inspirational Business award.
Notable individuals were also recognised, including Henil Vashi from Robin Tacchi Plants Ltd, who won Young Grower Under 35, and Richard Pavey from Majestic Trees, who received the Best Staff Member award.
Pippa Greenwood, Horticulture Manager at the HTA, praised the high standard of entries, commenting:
“Another brilliant year for The HTA Grower of the Year Awards and for horticulture: Both the number and the standard of entries this year were higher than ever before, and the judges faced a really challenging task when selecting winners. These awards showcase the outstanding quality, service, and innovation of UK nurseries, along with their commitment to inspiration and furthering UK horticulture’s positive environmental impact. It is wonderful to see the next generation of horticultural talent being celebrated, as this will ensure our phenomenal industry continues to thrive.”
Full List of Winners and Highly Commended:
Blooming Marvellous Employer
Majestic Trees (Winner)
Inspirational Business
Provender Nurseries (Winner)
The Horti House, Double H Nurseries Ltd (Highly Commended)
Life Beyond Peat
Majestic Trees (Winner)
David Austin Roses (Highly Commended)
Young Grower Under 35
Henil Vashi, Robin Tacchi Plants Ltd (Winner)
Ellen Underwood, Majestic Trees (Highly Commended)
Best Staff Member
Richard Pavey, Majestic Trees (Winner)
Eleanor Radley-Moore, RJ Trees and Hedging Ltd (Highly Commended)
Plant Producer
David Austin Roses and Double H Nurseries (joint Winners)
Wyevale Nurseries Limited (Highly Commended)
The HTA Grower of the Year Awards celebrate the UK’s best ornamental growers and recognise best practice in sustainable ornamental production. As well as proving their track records in high quality production, nominees were tasked with demonstrating their commitment to the environment and how they are working towards specific targets such as Co2 reduction, peat removal or water resilience.
The panel of judges for the Awards consisted of Alan Down, President of the HTA; Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH); Martin Cowell, Co-Director of Cowell’s Garden Centre; and writer Philip Clayton.
The winners of the Awards were presented with a certificate and trophy on the night and have been automatically entered into the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards.