AIH 2025 Annual Awards
Each year, the Australian Institute of Horticulture recognises those who have excelled in our industry—individuals whose skill, passion, and commitment elevate the profession. We are delighted to introduce this year’s award recipients: Horticulturist of the Year, Student of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
September 27, 2025
Another Australian Institute of Horticulture AGM and Awards night has come to an end. The AGM and review of the AIH Strategic Plan was held at Mayfield Garden, Oberon, NSW. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch and garden walk.
We then met back up in Orange, where our AIH Lifetime Achievement Award and Horticulturist of the Year Award were presented to two very deserving winners.
Our AIH Student of the Year was announced, then presented with her coveted award at a well-attended ceremony at Tafe NSW Wollongbar campus on the 22nd of October.
Thank you to Mark Morrison for providing these images of Mayfield Garden taken during the walking tour. And a huge thank you to Mayfield Garden and team for the exceptional care and support provided to us during our visit, we felt honoured to be your guests.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Paul Scholtens MAIH RH
With a career spanning more than five decades, Paul Scholtens has made an enduring contribution to Australian horticulture and the evolution of Canberra’s landscape. Beginning his career as an apprentice horticulturist in the 1960s, Paul went on to play pivotal roles in shaping the city’s green spaces, including overseeing the planting of Commonwealth Park—now home to the iconic Floriade. As co-founder of DSB Landscape Architects, his expertise in design, specification writing, and arboriculture helped set professional standards across the ACT. A long-time member of the Australian Institute of Horticulture since 1967, Paul has served in numerous leadership roles and was recognised as a Fellow in 2011. His legacy is reflected not only in Canberra’s landscapes but in the generations of horticulturists he has mentored and inspired through his professionalism, innovation, and lifelong dedication to the industry.
Horticulturist of the Year Award
At just 29, Tyler Howard has already forged an exceptional horticultural career marked by passion, dedication, and global experience. From nurturing his love of plants in his grandparents’ garden to working across Australia, England, and France, Tyler has contributed to some of the world’s most renowned botanic and historic gardens. A Global Footprints Scholarship recipient, he has led and collaborated on projects of exceptional horticultural merit, including managing the AIH Grow Shade Wise Garden at MIFGS 2024 and volunteering on the King’s Trust Garden at RHS Chelsea 2025. Now Team Leader at Admiralty House gardens, Tyler exemplifies professionalism, innovation, and the future of Australian horticulture.
Tyler Howard MAIH RH
Sponsored by Darren Mason
Student of the Year
Pearl Bridge
At just 19, Pearl Bridge is already making her mark as an exceptional emerging horticulturist. A student at TAFE NSW Wollongbar, completing her Certificate III in Horticulture, Pearl combines study with hands-on experience through her apprenticeship at Birdie Byron Bay and work with Eden. Known for her precision, creativity, and deep understanding of sustainable horticultural practices, she demonstrates a rare blend of design flair, technical skill, and problem-solving ability. Guided by her grandparents’ love of gardening, Pearl’s passion and professionalism set her apart. The Australian Institute of Horticulture recognises her as a talented and dedicated young professional with the potential to become a future leader in the industry.
Sponsored By AIH Fellows