Marcus Papa, who is about to start his Level 3 City and Guilds in Horticulture course at the north London college, was chosen for the Fothergill's sponsored award as the student who demonstrated the best plant care skills.
"Marcus has demonstrated his passion for plants and their care," said commercial director Tim Jeffries. "The judges said he was outstanding."
When Jeffries handed over the award he added that Papa would receive a surprise bursary cheque.
Papa said: "I was surprised and pleased. I've enjoyed the year that I've done and it's nice to be recognised."
Papa has previously completed the Level 2 extended certificate in forestry and arboriculture and the City and Guilds Level 2 horticulture courses since 2011 and has started a small gardening business.
He combines this with working as a freelance film production manager, mainly in foreign adaptions and corporate videos, but he has seen work opportunities in that industry shrink in recent years.
He said: "I'm keeping my eyes open, I don't know what this industry's going to take me. I've got to the age now where it's not always about how much money I earn, it's about quality of life. I'm looking to the future."
