UK: Mr. Plant Geek named new HTA Ambassador

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, as its new ambassador. As part of this new partnership, Michael will embark on a "journey of discovery", recording a series of videos and taking a closer look at what the HTA does for its members in the horticultural sector.

The HTA represents more than 1,300 garden retailers, growers, manufacturers, wholesalers, landscapers, and garden designers. It promotes and supports the horticultural industry to ensure a robust and sustainable future.

Mr Plant Geek begins his journey of discovery by learning about the HTA's Grower of the Year awards with Pippa Greenwood, the HTA's Horticulture Manager. On the latest episode of The Plant Based Podcast, they discuss the awards and its six categories, those being Plant Producer Award, Life Beyond Peat Award, Inspirational Business Award, Blooming Marvellous Employer Award, Young Grower Award and the Staff Member Award.

Michael Perry AKA Mr. Plant Geek

Michael Perry also chats to Jennifer Pheasey, the HTA's Director of Public Affairs, about how the political landscape and policies can impact the horticulture industry, and he learns more about consumers' shopping habits at garden centres with David Denny, the HTA's Director of Research and Insights.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "We are delighted to have Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, as our new ambassador and look forward to building a strong and lasting relationship with him. Mr Plant Geek is a very popular influencer in the gardening world, whose passion for horticulture shines through in the content he creates for social media. I believe he is the perfect advocate for our members and our industry, which already delivers so much for the country's economy, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability."

Michael Perry, Mr Plant Geek and new HTA ambassador, said: "I'm very proud to be working with the HTA as an ambassador, helping to communicate the great work the association does across all parts of the horticultural sector. I will be creating a series of videos about how the HTA supports garden centres, suppliers, and landscapers, so I hope you can join me on my journey of discovery and celebrate this incredible industry."