Last week, we had the pleasure of exhibiting at the National Plant Show – and what a brilliant two days it was. As always, it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with candidates, clients, and friends, and remind myself of everything the industry has to offer – from the latest plant launches to key sector news and conversations.
There was more conversation than ever before around technology and automation in horticulture. From smarter growing systems to supply chain innovation, it’s clear that businesses are thinking ahead.
Alongside that, there’s still a very real, ongoing need for people, especially in commercial growing roles. In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges continues to be changing perceptions of horticulture. Too often, the industry is misunderstood or dismissed as ‘just grass cutting’ or ‘what you do if you’re not academic.’ In reality, it’s full of opportunity – whether you’re keen to get your hands dirty or carve out a career in business, marketing, operations, or science. There’s something here for everyone.
One thing that stuck with me is the sheer volume of new plant varieties being introduced each year. These new products are the result of years – sometimes decades – of work behind the scenes: breeding, trials, testing and refinement.
Being a keen amateur gardener myself, I find the process behind the scenes fascinating. It made me think - do the general public realise what really goes on behind the scenes? Do they understand what goes into bringing a brand-new plant to market? Would they be interested if they knew? It’s a story that deserves to be told more loudly, and a story that my colleague Emily recently witnessed first hand at the Rochfords Rose Trials. You can read all about her experience here.
The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) hosted a networking event on day one, giving members the chance to meet new faces, share experiences and build new connections. Events like these are so important for building confidence and a sense of community, especially in a sector that can feel lonely at times.
We also launched an exciting new collaboration with Barclays Life Skills, giving YPHA members access to seven online learning modules, covering topics from Mental Resilience to Business Planning. Giving young minds access to these resources is vital, whilst making them aware of all the opportunities within Horticulture that they can kickstart a career in.
It was also encouraging to see more businesses bringing their younger team members along to the show. A few senior leaders told me they made a point of it, to inspire and energise the next generation – and with free tickets, there’s really no reason not to.
The National Plant Show is a perfect snapshot of why horticulture is such an exciting, diverse, and evolving industry. It’s multi-faceted, fast-paced, and full of genuine passion.
For anyone thinking of entering the industry – or just starting out – I couldn’t recommend it more. You’ll leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a fresh sense of what’s possible.
I am always available for a chat about getting into the industry. You can contact me here.
