The Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation awards returns in its 12th year on a hunt to celebrate the breadth of emerging voices across the industry. 

The reasons to enter have never been clearer, as past winners continue to reach new heights. From RHS Chelsea Flower Show stars to company owners, the award-winning alumni are taking over the industry. 

Here are 5 reasons why you should enter this year’s competition:  

1. Make yourself known 

For a young person in the industry, it can be difficult making a name for yourself. With Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30, you can put yourself on the road for recognition and connection across the entire industry. 

Sean Ryan, gardening supervisor at AELTC, says winning is “such a valuable opportunity for recognition and a fantastic way to gain exposure and connect with others in the industry.” 

2. Recognising achievements 

The hardworking nature of the young people in our industry is not something that goes unnoticed. Through these awards, young individuals are rewarded for their diligent efforts – they are a way of saying thank you. 

This confidence boost can propel you even further in your career. As director of Design Only Gardens, Taylor Gee says, receiving recognition “especially when things get tough,” can be the motivation you need to move forward. 

“The recognition helped in building relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other 30 Under 30 winners,” says Tom Massey, owner of Tom Massey Landscape and Garden Design. 

3. Building your network 

Dedicated to the maintenance of our planet, horticulturists, arboriculturists, garden designs, and landscapers work hard to continuously improve sustainability, biodiversity, and longevity of our natural environment.  

The 30 Under 30 Award allows you to connect with people as passionate as you are, providing networking opportunities and connecting you with industry leaders who can aid in developing your career. 

Chloë Webster, designer at Harry Holding Studio, says, “aside from the entirely unexpected recognition, I’ve met so many great people as a result of it.”  

4. Access to an industry-wide platform

As part of the 30 Under 30 alumni, Pro Landscaper makes an active effort to stay in contact with winners. Whether it’s a new position, or joining a new company, Pro Landscaper will keep in touch – eager to learn all about what each award winner has been up to since.

For example, we caught up with Rachel Platt after a busy year. Founder of Rachel Platt Garden Design, she dove into her growth within the industry, confidence and future business plans. 

Business owner and numerous RHS award-winner, Platt has kept busy since winning her 30 Under 30 award in 2022.

Read about more catch ups here.

5. Encouraging others

Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement, and with the industry’s skills shortage, seeing other people succeed can be the encouragement you need to take a leap of faith and try something new. The 30 Under 30 awards aims to inspire the next generation and prove that this is an industry open to all. 

Garden designer at Tony Benger, Emily Fuller says, “we have already built some fantastic relationships with others that will be so important to our future and lead to some wonderful collaboration,” since winning the award last year.  

Enter this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2026 awards. 

Applications close on 31 July 2026.