by Holly Chapman | 19 Nov 25 | Garden Design, Landscape Architecture, Long Reads, Sustainability
An industry that has been around for years and years, are there any areas that could be improved? Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards, in association with Green-tech 2025 winners disclose how the industry can look at improving as it continues to grow.
Ahtraeo Punter, assistant contracts manager at Nurture Landscapes
Passionate about inspiring the next generation of gardeners, 29-year-old Ahtraeo Punter highlights the importance of placing a greater focus on sustainability and biodiversity and inspiring interest to the industry early on.
“Young professionals are increasingly drawn to careers that make a positive environmental impact. By embedding biodiversity and sustainable practices at every level, the industry will appeal to people who want their work to contribute to something meaningful.
“While secondary schools and colleges are very important, I believe there is a real opportunity to focus more on early years too (nursery and primary school level). These are years when curiosity and excitement can be created through hands-on experiences, such as planting seeds, building wildlife habitats, or simple garden design projects.
“By making these experiences fun and engaging at a young age, children can grow up with an appreciation for green spaces and an understanding of the role they can play in shaping them. If we create this connection early, we plant the seed for a lifelong interest that could lead many more young people into our industry as they grow older.”
Chloë Webster, garden designer, Harry Holding Studio
Chloë Webster, also 29 years old, began her career with landscape architecture firm Gustafson Porter + Bowman, before joining Harry Holding Studio earlier this year. In encouragement of interdisciplinary collaboration, she believes it would make the industry more attractive.
“I know or have met a lot of people who are building contractors or fabricators who don’t realise that landscaping or horticulture is an alternative profession, which would allow them to work outside and develop a particular skill set. I think there could be more outreach within schools, government apprenticeship schemes or active engagement from landscaping companies through trial days/courses/workshops. Increasing awareness of the industry will likely make it more popular simply by virtue of the fact that more people will know about it.
“I also think more interdisciplinary collaborations would make the industry more attractive. This is especially true for architecture and contemporary art, which attract thoughtful, creative people who are likely to have an alignment to the landscape industry.”
Phoebe Gannon, assistant contract manager, Ground Control
A 24-year-old assistant contract manager from Ground Control, Phoebe Gannon wants to see a development in the use of technology, specifically for biodiversity net gain (BNG).
“The November 2023 legislative change requiring developers to deliver a minimum of 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has significantly increased the volume and complexity of landscaping projects. This growth highlights the need for advanced systems, machinery, and IT integration.
By showcasing the industry’s technological evolution, we can position landscaping as a forward-thinking and dynamic career path, appealing to individuals with interests in sustainability, engineering, and digital innovation.”
Luke Coleman, garden designer, Luke Coleman Gardens 
Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) Young Designer of the Year Luke Coleman highlights the importance of showcasing a breadth of people working across the industry. As the founder of Luke Coleman Gardens, the 28-year-old garden designer looks towards a more inclusive future.
“The industry needs to do more to showcase the breadth of people working in the landscape industry. That means not just well-known designers, but emerging voices, craftspeople, and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
“If we want to attract a wider range of young people into landscape careers, they need to see people who look like them, speak like them, and come from similar places already making an impact. Telling those stories through schools, social media, and public platforms would make a huge difference.”
Tom Clarke, garden designer, Fred Studio
Founder of his own studio, Fred Studio, 25-year-old Tom Clarke says his severe dyslexia makes him incredibly creative, as he encourages the industry to create pathways for neurodiverse and special educational needs (SEN) learners.
“There’s so much in the news about neurodivergence, the industry should capitalise on this. People with learning differences, like dyslexia, ADHD or autism, often thrive in creative and practical environments – yet it’s still pretty tough for them to enter careers like garden design.
“I’d love to see more tailored training schemes or placements that make space for different learning styles and abilities. It would be great for the industry to have a massive injection of this diversity of thinking.”
Elena Rose, landscape architect, Huskisson Brown Architects
A landscape architect at Huskisson Brown Architects, 27-year-old Elena Rose sees the importance in landscapes for everyone.
“The value of landscape is often overlooked and yet it plays such an important role in our lives, being the streets we walk every day and the parks we meet our friends in, it increases the value of our homes and provides us a sense of place.
“As a landscape architect so often are we brought into a project late in the process and asked to make something seem landscape-led when it would save the client so much time and money to bring us on board at project inception so the scheme can actually be landscape led.
If people understood the value of landscape then they would be more interested in being involved with it, shaping the world we live in and the landscapes to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
James Drewitt, director, CJ Tree Surgeons 
An arborist by a chance encounter, James Drewitt from CJ Tree Surgeons encourages the industry to promote the environmental impact and deeper meaning of the work he and others within the industry complete.
“When people realise they’re contributing to biodiversity, climate resilience, and healthier communities, the job becomes more than just manual labour.
Reframing the industry as a purpose driven career path can inspire a new generation of skilled, passionate professionals who want to make a difference, and stay in the sector for life.”
From technology, inclusivity and awareness, the emerging generation, who, not before long, will be the overarching leaders, have given their recommendations to the industry.
Register your interest for next year’s Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards.
by Holly Chapman | 31 Jul 25 | 30 Under 30 Updates, Landscape Architecture, Long Reads
Leo Cheung has recently joined the team at Tyler Grange as a senior landscape architect as part of a newly established team dedicated to expanding its services beyond landscape planning.
A passion for nature and the environment, Cheung now works in a team of three to deliver nature-based, landscape-led solutions and green and blue infrastructure (GBI) strategies to support biodiversity, climate resilience and healthier places for people.
Recognising the achievement
Back in 2022, Cheung picked up a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award while working at The terra firma Consultancy.
Since winning, Cheung explains the benefits of receiving the award during his early career:
“Recognition is a key thing, especially in my early career because there is not a lot of achievement that a young person could receive. This visibility and credibility is also key, look at the other winners running their own businesses.”
Since the win, Cheung says “the award has given me the self confidence that I’m not doing too bad,” especially during his move to Tyler Grange. Even on a personal level, Cheung has had the confidence to pursue voluntary projects that focus on the environment.
What could be seen as a neglected profession, Cheung looks to champion landscape architecture as he climbs the career ladder. Perhaps slightly overlooked, he argues, the skills are very important to any design or project, especially for the public realm.
Cheung has been working on a project proposal for the floodplain surrounding his local Tesco Superstore. A project which was shortlisted for The Pineapples Awards 2023 in the Future Public Realm category, it looked at reimagining unused land that could be more suitable for locals.
What it means to be a landscape architect
While working fulltime at Tyler Grange, Cheung volunteers as a team member with the Association of Collaborative Design (ACD). Aiming to mainstream collaborative design across the built environment, the association creates healthier neighbourhoods for people and nature.
As a landscape architect, Cheung sees the importance. “We contribute to the climate, social justice and inclusivity,” he says. For this reason, he urges the younger generation to look into his profession, as designing a landscape can be just as important as designing a building.
Looking ahead to the next round of 30 Under 30 applicants, Cheung says, “you might think that what you are doing is small and not impactful, but you’re doing some amazing things”. In turn, he urges those toying with entering, to “just do it.”
Download this year’s Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech, awards application form here.
Applications close on 1 August 2025.
by Holly Chapman | 30 Jul 25 | News
There are only a few days left to enter Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech.
There are plenty of reasons why someone should enter the awards, a list can be found here.
With 300 alumni, the 30 Under 30 awards have helped propel previous winners into the industry. Take a look at what our previous winners have been up to since receiving their award.
You can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2025 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sectors; entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year).
For more information and to apply visit prolandscapermagazine.com/30under30-event or download the application here.
Entries close this Friday 1 August 2025.
by Holly Chapman | 25 Jul 25 | News
With one week left to enter Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech, this could be the last chance to be part of the prestigious group, as the awards return for its 10th anniversary.
With 300 alumni, the 30 Under 30 awards have helped propel previous winners into the industry. You can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2025 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sectors; entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year).
Take a look at what our previous winners have been up to since receiving their award.
Find a list explaining the reasons to enter here.
For more information and to apply visit prolandscapermagazine.com/30under30-event or download the application here.
Entries close Friday 1 August 2025.
by Holly Chapman | 10 Jul 25 | Grounds Maintenance, Long Reads
Ground Control’s newly promoted business development director, Emma Hindle, talks about the importance of working towards something that “actually makes a difference,” she says.
On a mission to leave the world in a better place than they found it, Ground Control is committed to enhancing and improving the environment. With this in mind, employees like Hindle possess that same mindset.
“I continue to work on giving back to nature, the community and doing something that’s a force for good,” says Hindle.
30 Under 30: Growing in confidence
Since receiving a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award in 2023 at the age of 29, Hindle explains that she has since seen a big growth in her own confidence.
Not only is this down to collecting the prestigious 30 Under 30 award with 29 others in London, but Hindle explains that the recognition also boosted her confidence. She clarifies:
“It wasn’t what I expected, because I didn’t think I was going to win. So it made me proud of what I do; it propelled me.”
Hindle describes winning the award as being recognised for having an important role in making the business successful. While Ground Control focuses on giving back to nature, Hindle looks to a hopeful future where the company continues to enhance biodiversity in one of the most depleted countries in the world, England.
30 Under 30: Giving back
Not only does Hindle give back to nature, she also offers advice to the next group of 30 Under 30 applicants.
She urges, “just do it and recognise what you do – regardless of the role”.
While applicants working for larger companies may see themselves as small in comparison, Hindle reassures those feeling that way:
“Don’t see yourself as any less important. You are contributing to the function of the business.”
Take a look at five reasons to enter the awards here, and read what other 30 Under 30 award winners have been up to here.
Applicants can download a form for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2025, in association with Green-tech here.
by Holly Chapman | 19 Jun 25 | Commercial Landscaping, Long Reads
Since winning Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Award last year, James Robson has grown into his newly promoted role at Provender Nurseries, a company he has been proudly a part of for almost two years.
Joining the quoted sales team in 2023, Robson’s role included quoting clients ranging from landscape architects, garden designers and landscapers across the horticultural industry which initiated numerous connections.
James Robson
Since March, Robson has stepped up to the sales manager position, where he oversees the quoted sales team he was once in. While he describes this as a “new challenge compared to the last role,” he adds:
“It’s great to have progression in the role, and this position came up, which uses a different skill set – but it’s great to have that.”
Working with Provender has shown Robson that “when you’re doing something right and something you know well, it is rewarded,” he says.
After winning the 30 Under 30 award in 2024, Robson set his eyes on Young Horticulturist of the Year 2025. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it past the semi-finals, however recognises the experience for testing his horticultural knowledge. He also encourages fellow industry professionals to give it a go, too.
An industry which has its issues, according to Robson, he and others at Provender want to pursue the younger generation’s access to horticulture to try and rectify this. He urges those applying to the 30 Under 30 awards this year to be honest on their applications, while highlighting how the industry can improve. For example, attracting an interest from other young people.
Richard Burt, sales director at Provender says:
“It’s nice to see the younger talent coming through the business because that is the future of the business. We’ve got a responsibility to harness and encourage that.”
To apply for this year’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech, find more information here.
by The Pro Landscaper Team | 30 Apr 25 | Community Highlights, News
Entries are now open for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech as it returns for its 10th anniversary.
With 300 alumni, the 30 Under 30 awards have helped propel previous winners into the industry. These include Aaron Grange from Green-tech, Primethorpe Paving owner Kelsey Brace, and Design Only Gardens director and founder, Taylor Gee.
More winners can be seen here.
Kris Nellist, managing director at Green-tech comments:
“The future of landscaping depends on passionate, innovative young professionals—and it’s a privilege to help shine a spotlight on their achievements.”
You can nominate yourself or a colleague as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2025 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sectors; entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year).
For more information and to apply visit prolandscapermagazine.com/30under30-event or email bethany.vann@eljays44.com for the application.
Entries close Friday 1 August 2025.
by The Pro Landscaper Team | 08 Apr 25 | Community Highlights, News
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards returns with headline partner Green-tech.
Kris Nellist, managing director at Green-tech comments:
“Green-tech is proud to support the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards in 2025. We’ve supported this initiative for the past decade because we believe in recognising and celebrating the rising stars of our industry. The future of landscaping depends on passionate, innovative young professionals—and it’s a privilege to help shine a spotlight on their achievements.”
Past winners of the 30 Under 30 Awards include Noemi Mercurelli, associate landscape designer at PC Landscapes, RHS medal winner, Rachel Platt, and director of Hardwood Landscapes, Oliver Gregson.
Take a look at what the other winners have achieved since winning here.
Those looking to enter can register their interest here. They will then be sent the application form when entries open at the end of April.
To find out more information about this year’s Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards, click here.
by Bethany Vann | 04 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Domestic Landscaping, FutureScape News, Garden Design, Grounds Maintenance, Landscape Architecture
Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech, is celebrating its 10th year at FutureScape later this month.
In celebration of the initiative’s decade-long commitment to recognising land-base excellence, Pro Landscaper is inviting all 300 of its 30 Under 30 alumni to attend this year’s ceremony.
In honour of this milestone, 30 Under 30 Class of 2016 winner and award-winning landscaper, Ross Conquest of Conquest Spaces, will be hosting two exclusive panel discussions.
The first panel, titled The Next Generation: Striving for Success, will feature previous winners, Charlotte Williams, George Trott, Hugo Bugg, James Gadd, and Noemi Mercurelli, as they highlight how their career trajectories have evolved since winning their award, offering their insights and advice to fellow and future alumni.
The second panel, titled Industry Leaders: The Power of Mentoring, will host several prolific names in the industry – James Scott, Mark Gregory, Andrew Fisher Tomlin, and Alistair Bayford – as they discuss their experiences in guiding the younger generation forward in their journey.
“This year marks an incredible milestone for this initiative. Now with over 300 alumni recognised, it is the perfect time to look back at the achievements of past winners, but with that we must remain steadfast in looking to the future,” says Bethany Vann, Pro Landscaper Features Writer.
“That’s what this award is for, helping propel the younger generation forward and safeguarding the future of the sector. We at Pro Landscaper are proud to host these awards every year and we look forward to celebrating with everyone at FutureScape!”
Guests can also expect a few surprises from long-standing 30 Under 30 partner, Green-tech, as it also celebrates its 30th anniversary at the ceremony.
This year’s winners, announced last month, will be collecting their awards at the show as well, with networking opportunities also available to all who attend.
All 300 alumni or those interested in entering either themselves or on the behalf of others in the future are welcome to attend. The ceremony will be taking place on the second day of FutureScape on Wednesday 16 October 2024 at the ExCeL London, running from 2pm through till 5pm.
Those looking to attend can register for free to attend FutureScape at futurescapeevent.com. Please send your ceremony attendance confirmation and any guests to Bethany Vann at bethany.vann@eljays44.com.
by Bethany Vann | 21 Nov 23 | FutureScape News, News
Today the 2023 winners of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation, in association with Green-tech received their awards at a ceremony which took place at FutureScape in London.
The class of 2023 join 240 existing winners, many of which have gone on to receive numerous awards and accolades since joining the 30 Under 30 alumni.
“This acknowledgment reinforces the importance of our work and the potential for positive change in our industry and beyond,” says one of this year’s winners Daniel Johnson, landscape architect at WATG.
Landscape foreman at the Garden Club London, Mihkel Kajanus adds: “It’s a reminder that dedication and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements.”
Encouraging young people into the sector and supporting a lasting career has become of increasing importance as a result of the current sector wide skill shortage and the ecological climate.
The 30 Under 30 initiative aims to support the next generation in “building connections” and “creating opportunities to drive innovation and change together,” says Nina Mason, head of content at Pro Landscaper.
The full list of winners can be found here, with entries for next year opening in spring 2024.
by Bethany Vann | 23 Aug 23 | Commercial Landscaping, Long Reads
Over the last year, Arron Grange has been playing a significant role in establishing and managing Green-tech’s new warehouse in Ireland. The key account manager, who became one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation last year at just 27 years’ old, was originally employed as a sales advisor in 2016 and has since risen through the ranks and is now helping Green-tech to expand its reach.
The warehouse in Ireland opened earlier this year following investment from Green-tech’s parent company, Origin Enterprises, which acquired the business in 2021.
At Green-tech, we’re heavily involved in Ireland and since I started seven years ago, I have dealt with a few Irish customers and that has since developed year on year.
“I’m now doing a lot of visits to Ireland, helping to manage the stock over there, helping run it with our sales director and my manager, and it is the first warehouse we’ve ever had outside of Yorkshire; it’s a big project and there’s a lot of learning curves in there.”
The progression won’t stop there for Grange, though, as his plans for the near future see him continuing to “develop my customer base, hitting targets and helping the business grow.”
His long-term goals follow his self-admitted “ambitious nature”, with goals to “go right to the top” and no plans to leave the industry. “This industry is something I want to grow and become an integral part of.”
Career progression is one of the reasons he entered the 30 Under 30 awards in the first place. “I want to further my career and go as far as I can. I felt the 30 Under 30 awards would give me the opportunity to do that.
“I know a lot of people that have entered in previous years who have gone on to better things.”
Grange is a great example of how perseverance and dedication to a role can pay off, evident in everything he has achieved so far in an ever thriving company.
There’s still time to apply for this year’s Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in association with Green-tech. Find out more here.
by Bethany Vann | 04 Aug 23 | Domestic Landscaping, Garden Design, Long Reads, Topics, Website Exclusive
A year after becoming one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation winners, Rachel Platt has scooped a hat-trick of awards at this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, including the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Platt’s show garden at this years Tatton Park, ‘Chained to Tech’ in partnership with J. Parkers, explores the behavioural and psychological repercussions of excessive screen-based technology usage in young people.
Wonder Wolf Photography Headshot of Rachel Platt
“The theme was important to me because I’ve experienced it myself, and I think everyone I’ve spoken to has a son or a daughter that is addicted to technology in some way,” explains the 26-year-old designer.
A 2021 study of 1,043 students conducted at King’s College London found that nearly 39% displayed symptoms of smartphone addiction, with 68% of those expressing trouble with sleeping as a result.
“It is having a massive impact on peoples wellbeing and their health in general; it’s a really important topic to be talking about it.”
Platt’s design encompasses the world of digital addiction through visual representation in both the hard and soft landscaping elements of the garden.
“The construction detailing was mainly based on components of technology, like binary, circuit boards, and USB drives.
“I used weathered materials to symbolism when you’re using a lot of technology you’re not looking after your body.”
The planting comprised of drought tolerant species, including Phormium tenax and Punica granatum to symbolise the dry eyes caused by extended screen time, with the vibrant colours of yellow Eremurus (foxtail lily), and blue Agapanthus to denote the vibrancy of screens, unmatched by reality.
Credit @ RHS
“Lots of people have interpreted it in different ways but I would say mainly it’s to do with the effects of technological addiction in the fact that it’s that instant gratification and euphoric feeling you get.”
In parallel to exhibiting the effects of digital addiction and their potential severity, Platt drew attention to the multiple wellbeing benefits available within nature that can offset the downward spiral of addiction.
“It is a difficult to get a young adult off the computer but when they do go out into nature, they do put down their phone away, even if it’s for just 15 seconds.
“Just going outside does help and I’ve seen it help people, so I think that’s the link there, I wanted that take home message to be that horticulture really can help.”
Chained to Tech is not Platt’s first exploration into the benefits of horticulture at Tatton, with her 2022 award-winning debut ‘The Covid Recovery Garden’, designed to exhibit the physical and physiological healing properties accessible through nature, relocated to a local hospital to provide a recuperation sanctuary for patients suffering from long-covid.
“It’s always good to highlight something like this. I don’t do small things, I talk about pretty dark, deep things.”
With Tatton now closed and three new awards under her belt, including Best Construction and a Silver Gilt medal, Platt is now focusing her efforts on an upcoming project in Edinburgh, of which she could not divulge too much information on, but watch this space.
If you’re interested in entering this year’s Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation in partnership with Green-tech, or you’d like to nominate someone for the prestigious award, you can find more information here.
