Garden centre event brings together women in horticulture across Greater Manchester

J. Parker’s host a morning to celebrate Women in Horticulture

The event was held on Tuesday 7 April at J Parker’s garden centre in Daisy Nook as part of ongoing efforts to create a community and horticultural hub in the area.

Attendees gathered for a morning of talks and networking, with a focus on sharing knowledge, experiences and opportunities within the industry. The session brought together people already working in horticulture as well as those actively exploring ways to enter the sector.

Speakers shared their career journeys, perspectives and challenges, offering insight into the realities of working in horticulture. The event was led by Victoria Holden, director of Oldham based social enterprise Northern Lily, who acted as master of ceremonies.

She was joined by Helen Waddington, director of services at horticultural charity Perennial, and Nina Agnew, a community gardening advisor for the Royal Horticultural Society.

Organisers said the event provided valuable opportunities for attendees to connect, learn and gain inspiration, with many leaving with a stronger understanding of pathways into the industry.

The session forms part of a wider programme of free workshops, talks and community events planned at the garden centre over the coming year to support skills development and local engagement.

Shannon Kearns, marketing executive for J Parker’s, said "Hosting events like this is incredibly important for the industry, as they create valuable opportunities for women already working in or aspiring to join the field to connect and share their experiences and support one another. It was a genuine privilege to witness such passion for horticulture firsthand and to learn from the amazing speakers throughout the day."