Supporting the Next Generation of Gardeners

At J. Parker’s, gardening has always been about more than plants. We believe it’s about connecting with people, exploring new places, and creating opportunities that can ultimately help communities grow.

That belief lies at the heart of our latest initiative - the launch of the Children’s Gardening Club, a new free programme designed to inspire and support the next generation of gardeners across Greater Manchester.

Launching on 25th January, the Children’s Gardening Club will meet once a month, giving young gardening enthusiasts the chance to discover more about the great outdoors and ultimately themselves. Open to children from across the region, the club forms part of J. Parker’s continued commitment to making gardening accessible, inclusive, and community-led.

Creating opportunities to learn and grow

The Children’s Gardening Club is designed to nurture curiosity and hands-on learning. Whether a child dreams of becoming a horticulturist or simply enjoys getting their hands dirty, the club provides a welcoming space to gain valuable experience and flourish. Each session will focus on foundational gardening skills - from understanding plants and soil to caring for growing spaces and working as part of a team.

Beyond these practical skills, the club gives children the chance to learn outdoors, explore their creativity, and discover how connecting with nature can boost wellbeing. By offering these experiences early, we aim to spark an interest and hopefully inspire a lifelong love of gardening.

"Through gardening with my own children from a young age, I’ve watched their eyes light up when a seed they’ve sown sprouts, a butterfly lands nearby, or they find a ladybird that is now their pet! Those moments of wonder and discovery showed me how curiosity truly blooms when children are given space to explore, create and get their hands in the soil. This club aims to nurture that same joy, giving every child a chance to learn, grow, and experience the magic of connecting with nature."
- Maz Lees, J. Parker's Gardening Club Lead

Building on meaningful community work

The launch of the club builds on a growing programme of educational and community projects that J. Parker’s has delivered over recent months.

In October 2025, we welcomed Frances Tophill to Daisy Nook, where she led a hands-on workshop for 50 local schoolchildren, inspiring curiosity in plants and gardening. That event was one of many designed to spark interest in horticulture from an early age.

Since then, our team has been working directly within schools. In fact, the following week, we designed and built a sensory garden - the ‘Zen Den’ - at a primary school in Sale Moor, giving pupils a calming, interactive space to learn and play.

Looking ahead, 2026 will see Edward Doherty lead a team to design an international-themed border celebrating the multicultural nature of another local school community, with education, inclusivity and creativity central to the project.

"I am extremely proud to see our community engagement commitment continue to take shape, with 2026 set to be our biggest year yet. Creating lasting and impactful projects within the community of Greater Manchester, and further afield, is central to our business ethos and getting to see first-hand some of the amazing people and projects making a difference across the region is rewarding and heartwarming.”
- Edward Doherty, Offline Marketing Manager

Daisy Nook: A hub for community learning

Central to much of this work is Daisy Nook - a space that has become a hub for learning, connection, and shared knowledge within the community. The site hosts at least 24 free talking events each year, covering gardening, wellbeing, and environmental topics. These events are open to all, reinforcing the idea that knowledge should be shared freely and widely.

The Children’s Gardening Club will join this expanding programme, strengthening Daisy Nook’s role as a place where people of all ages can gather, share knowledge, and find inspiration.

Working together with regional partners

Community impact is strongest when it’s collaborative. That’s why J. Parker’s continues to work closely with key regional partners, including Petrus, NorthCare and Oldham Athletic Community Trust. These partnerships allow us to reach wider audiences, support those who benefit most, and ensure our initiatives are rooted in real community needs.

The Children’s Gardening Club represents another step in this ongoing journey - one that places young people at the centre and looks to the future with optimism.

A foundation for what’s to come

This club marks the beginning of a journey we’re excited to embark on with you. Over the next 12 months, we’ll continue to share the projects, partnerships, and people that shape J. Parker’s community work - highlighting how gardening can be a powerful force for education, inclusion, and positive change.

By investing in young gardeners today, we’re helping to sow the seeds for a greener, more connected tomorrow.