HortWeek technical editor Sally Drury is a judge for the Four Oaks New Plant & Product Awards for 2026.
What do you love most about your work?
Meeting and talking with horticulturists. They are the best people in the world. Plants play an important role too.
What would you say to young people considering a career in the sector?
There's no job like it. It has so much variety. There are physical jobs (better than the gym), managerial jobs, science and research. It's an industry where you can continue to learn in the knowledge that the information can make the world a better place.
What would be your big ask of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham?
Back UK food production. Provide gardens with new build estates. Look after our parks and landscapes. These three things have such an impact on physical and mental health.
What are the most important challenges the plant production industry needs to overcome in 2026?
Red tape and regulation along with the weather. The latter has always been a challenge but now it's difficult to know what to focus on in the future - drought resistant plants or flood resistant plants?
What are you most looking forward to at Four Oaks Trade Show this year?
Seeing the new products that will help nursery businesses become more productive and profitable.
