The winners of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Grower of the Year Awards 2025 have been announced. 

In celebration of the UK’s ornamental growers, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and achievement in the environmental horticultural industry.

The celebratory dinner and awards ceremony took place following Horticulture, the Conference, which was held in the Garden Room of the Barbican Centre in London last week.

Presented across six categories, 12 awards were given. The top winners of the evening were Hillier Nurseries, which took home the Blooming Marvellous Employer, Life Beyond Peat and Plant Producer awards; and Greenwood Plants, which won the Inspirational Business award. 

Individuals within the sector were also recognised, including Jane Poyner from Majestic Trees, who received Best Staff Member award whilst the Young Grower under 35 award was given to Thomas Smith, also from Majestic Trees. 

Steve McCurdy, managing director of Majestic Trees says it is an “honour to be recognised,” and goes on to explain: “we have been honoured with numerous awards including 4 UK Grower of the Year awards since 2008, but this year’s awards was all about two of our outstanding team members. In fact, the strength of our team has been recognised every year, with a number of our team winning previous UK Young Grower of the Year or Staff awards”.

Pippa Greenwood, horticulture manager at the HTA explains the awards saw an increase in nominations this year, with a “phenomenally high standard,” adding:

“The way these businesses look after their employees is also truly humbling. The standard of entries for the Best Staff Member award demonstrates just how important staff are to the industry and the businesses themselves.”

The six other awards were given to highly commended companies and individuals, including Alba Trees and The Bransford Webbs Plant Company.