Brisbane horticulturist Ben French is the best in the country, after being named Horticulturist of the Year at the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) Awards held in Coffs Harbour last week.
The owner of the Yards landscaping and gardening company in Morningside, in the city’s inner-east, Mr French won the honour off the back of his significant contribution to the horticulture industry in Queensland, as well as his involvement in Irish designer Peter Donegan’s award-winning Show Garden at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in March this year.
Award organisers said Mr French had a career spanning over 26 years in landscape design, construction and maintenance.
“Ben has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the horticulture industry,” they said in a statement.
“Since founding Yards, in Brisbane in 2005, he has mentored many young horticulturists, helping to shape the next generation of industry leaders.”
In addition to receiving the prestigious award, Mr French was a guest speaker at the AIH conference last Friday, sharing insights and the story of the evolution of Yards.
He said the operation was 15-strong, including a school-based trainee.
“We also offer work experience students a taste of the industry each year as we are keen to see and promote more people in horticulture.”
