Winner of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 award 2023, and known for his peat free practices and dedication to his work, Harry Hoblyn has grown Rymer Trees from a seedling into a flourishing business, with its sales increasing by 300% over the last 12 months alone.  

But it’s not been the easiest journey so far, as Hoblyn explains how his biggest challenge has been changing people’s minds.  “A lot of people still plant bare root trees,” says Hoblyn, “and they do it because they always have done!” 

Rymer Trees and Hedging (RTH) is a tree nursery situated in the heart of East Anglia, which specializes in growing peat-free, cell-grown, UK native trees primarily grown for woodland and hedgerow schemes.  

“We are a small yet dedicated team, working tirelessly to cultivate robust and healthy stock that is ready to be established throughout the UK,” says Hoblyn. 

Its team is made up of individuals from many different backgrounds, bringing a well-rounded and passionate approach to tree cultivation. 

Despite its successes, the industry is seemingly stuck in its ways and some potential clients often ignore the benefits of cell grown.  

From easy handling to healthy stock, to the extended planting season, cell-grown trees have become increasingly popular with growers, planters, and consumers due to their convenience and strength. 

“The old school mindset is pretty frustrating, and currently my biggest setback,” says Hoblyn, but he remains dedicated to proving them wrong. And since winning his 30 Under 30 award in 2023, the publicity has done just that.   

“It’s been like free PR!”

“People saw my name in the magazines and my picture shared online. I bump into people at various trade shows, and continue to get calls in the office, so it’s definitely helped.”

“Should people enter the awards? Absolutely go for it! It’s a really fun day out, you get to meet loads of industry people and even better – you get to meet loads of industry people of your age, which in the horticulture industry is hard to come by!” says Hoblyn.

There is still time to enter Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30 award 2024 – To enter, nominate yourself or a colleague, as long as the nominee was aged 30 or under on 1 January 2024 and currently works within the horticulture, arboriculture, garden design or landscape sector. Entrants must have worked in the industry for at least one year.

The deadline for entries is 31 July 2024. Contact ashleigh.brown@eljays44.com for more information and for the entry form.