An interest in organics and backyard permaculture has led Anna England to her place of employment.

The journey did include a few byways, like time to spend a few years in Wellington gaining a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Information Systems, and then some overseas travel. Back in her home town in Taranaki, Anna made the decision to head to Christchurch to add to her qualifications, this time at Lincoln University where she studied horticulture.

“I got my diploma in horticulture as I was interested in organics and backyard permaculture and that in turn led to nursery work,” explains Anna, who represents the Young Plant Producer sector at this year’s Young Horticulturist Competition.

Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery is where she landed three years’ ago and still works, as a sales coordinator, surrounded by landscape plants (mainly ornamental with natives in the mix) and some edibles like blueberries and gooseberries.

She works, and lives, in Amberley, North Canterbury, with her working life involving mainly customer service as well as aligning production with sales and keeping track of inventory.  It’s a “really happy” work environment, she says. Her partner, Jed, would agree – he too is an Elliott’s employee.

“Helping people find solutions is something I like, and sourcing plants is very satisfying,” Anna says. “I feel there is always something to learn in the role I am in, and lots of talented people around to learn from at all levels of production.”

Anna doesn’t see herself moving on in any hurry.

“I’m keen to continue in my role at Elliotts, helping achieve the business’ vision of supplying good quality plants and refining our practices,” she says.

Anna uses her commerce qualification in her job too, primarily in the inventory and customer relationship system space as her degree had a strong focus on systems management.

When not at work she practises yoga and answers the call to be out celebrating nature. Hiking in the hills is a favoured past time, as is gardening.  She and Jed rescue rejected plants from the nursery and bring them home to their growing garden, hoping for the best.

Anna is looking forward to the Young Horticulturist finals, knowing it will be a good place to test her knowledge and see where improvements can be made.

If it’s anything like the Young Plant Producer Competition, she’ll be thrilled.

“That was fun. I met new, really inspiring people who are great role models for the industry. They’ve been really supportive and that’s set me to really apply myself at the Young Horticulturist finals,” Anna says.

The Young Horticulturist of the Year 2024 Grand Final is being held over two days at the Karaka Bloodstock on 30 and 31 October. Tickets to the Grand Final Dinner & Awards are available until 16 October from younghort.co.nz