The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) is the first to back a new public engagement initiative to challenge the public’s perception of horticulture.

An interactive exhibit at New Scientist Live 2026 will showcase the horticultural and landscape architecture sectors and present them as high-tech STEM careers.

“It’s time to bridge the gap between our £38bn economic contribution and our visibility to the wider public and in particular the STEM sector,” says Christina Walkerwho is spearheading the project.

She adds that New Scientist Live, taking place at the Excel London in October, is “the perfect focal point at a crucial time, providing a platform to reach a large, curious audience across a wide age range.”

‘Our Green Planet: Roots for the future, skills for today’ is seeking further partners and sponsors alongside the YPHA.

“If horticulture is barely visible beyond primary school, we cannot keep being surprised that fewer young people choose it later,” says YPHA co-founder Natalie Boynton. “We have to start signposting its relevance, impact and opportunity much earlier.”

A focus group is being held in London on 26 February, after which the exhibit’s core pillars and collaborative structure will be finalised. Space needs to be booked by late March for the project to go ahead at the 2026 event. For more information, contact Christina Walker.