by Holly Chapman | 27 Sep 25 | News
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has presented the Pearson Memorial Medal to Natalie Boynton this year, making her the fifth woman to receive the accolade over the past 20 years.
A Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30 Award winner, Boynton from Happy Plants Ltd and co-founder of the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) was awarded the medal due to “significant contribution to the industry,” explains Will Armitage, HTA president.
One of the first UK growers to move away from carbon-pigment-free plant pots and introduce compostable carry trays to the market, Boynton has also contributed to the HTA through participation in committees, working groups and conferences over the years.
Armitage also says Boynton is a “key inspiration and hands-on contributor to the creation of the YPHA,” adding:
“I hope Natalie’s award for outstanding service to the industry reminds us of the important contributions made by a diverse but often under-represented group of people – women and young people – involved in UK horticulture.”
Upon receiving the medal, Boynton expresses her gratitude. She says, “I am lost for words,” adding:
“Being only the fifth woman to receive this medal in the last 20 years means a lot. I’ve seen so many fantastic people pick up this award over the years, so it’s wonderful even to be considered in the same realm as these people.”
The award was handed out at a celebratory dinner following HTA’s Horticulture, The Conference.
by Aidan Williams | 14 Oct 24 | Garden Design, News
Wyevale Nurseries’ sales and marketing director Kersten Catella has been selected to speak about her industry experience at the Women in Horticulture event next month.
Catella will be joining CEO of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Fran Barnes on the podium for the occasion, which is being run by Women In Horticulture UK.
The event aims to give attendees the opportunity to hear from industry leaders who have made a significant impact.
Catella explains: “It’s an honour to have been invited to take part in this inspirational event on Thursday, November 14 at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire.
“The afternoon promises to be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and gain some invaluable insights from myself and Fran, who is one of the industry’s most respected leaders.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone who can come along and be part of this inspirational event and the forward-thinking Women in Horticulture community, which is welcoming and supportive.”
Guests will hear the two keynote speakers share actionable insights to help them grow in their careers.
Barnes brings a wealth of experience from her leadership role at the HTA, alongside her involvement with the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the BBC. She will discuss her journey to leadership and the future of horticulture.
Catella, who joined Wyevale Nurseries earlier this year, is on the board of directors at British Association of Landscape Industries and was also chair of the British Protected Ornamentals Association from 2017-2019 and has been a NFU Board Member.
The event will also help fundraise for the horticultural sector charity Perennial, a charity which is important to Wyevale Nurseries.
Catella explains: “The team at Wyevale Nurseries already has a very close connection with Perennial. We work together on the charity’s Plants for Perennial initiative, which is a collaborative scheme between the organisation, us and three other major wholesale nurseries in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
“We all help raise funds through sales of various plants via garden centre customers. The collection includes our Salvias ‘Cuello Pink’ and ‘Cuello White’ and our Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’.”
More information and tickets for the event can be found online while Wyevale Nurseries will be showing off its ‘Best of British’ range at FutureScape this week.
