Women in Horticulture: An Inspiring Morning at Daisy Nook Garden Centre

On the 7th of April, we were delighted to host our Women in Horticulture event at J. Parker’s Daisy Nook Garden Centre, welcoming a fantastic group of women from across the industry and beyond for a morning of inspiration, advice and connection.

Running from 10am to 12:30pm, the sold-out event brought together three incredible speakers: Victoria Holden (Director of Northern Lily), Helen Waddington (Director of Services at Perennial), and Nina Agnew (Community Gardening Advisor at the RHS). Hosted by Victoria, the event aimed to shine a light on the role of women in horticulture while providing practical guidance for those looking to begin or progress in the field.

A space to learn, share and grow

We welcomed attendees ranging from their 20s to 60s and beyond, all at different stages of their horticultural journeys. Some were already working in the industry, while others were exploring a potential career change or simply looking to get started.

Throughout the morning, key questions emerged: What qualifications are needed? Is it too late to change careers? How do you become self-employed? And where can you turn for support?

The conversations didn’t stop when the talks ended. Many stayed afterwards to network, exchange ideas, and explore volunteering and paid opportunities to build their experience and confidence.

Sharing real journeys into horticulture

Each speaker brought a unique and personal perspective to the morning.

Victoria Holden shared her inspiring career journey, from 25 years in youth and community work to becoming Director of Northern Lily. Her passion for transforming derelict land into thriving community gardens shone through, as did her commitment to aiding local communities. Victoria also spoke about her own training and how support from Perennial helped her achieve her Level 3 Orchardist qualification.

Nina Agnew offered an honest and insightful account of her path into horticulture. After graduating and working in the NHS, Nina discovered her love for gardening through her first allotment. From volunteering at Dunham Massey to securing her first paid role as a kitchen gardener in a two Michelin-starred restaurant, her story highlights the diverse routes into the industry. Now working in environmental sustainability at Liverpool John Moores University, Nina also shared valuable advice for career progression:
 - Know your worth
 - Don’t be afraid to ask for a pay rise regularly
 - Keep your CVR up to date
 - Be open to moving organisations to progress
 - Support and promote both yourself and other women

Nina also highlighted the importance of horticulture and help from Perennial in particular, as an outlet and source of comfort through tough times in her life.

Helen Waddington reflected on her introduction to horticulture, beginning as a teenager working alongside her father, where she was often the only woman on site. She spoke about her role at Perennial, a charity dedicated to supporting those working in or retired from the horticulture industry. Helen highlighted the wide range of free, confidential services available, from financial advice to guidance for those considering freelance work, helping individuals feel seen and supported at every stage of their career.

The importance of community and support

A strong theme throughout the event was the importance of community, confidence, and access to support. Whether just starting out or looking to take the next step, having the right guidance and network can make all the difference.

Victoria Holden reflected on the success of the morning:
“It was a pleasure to host the sold-out event and to share my own horticulture career journey, as well as hear from incredible women who spoke about theirs. It was a brilliant morning filled with inspiring stories and practical advice. Since the event, we’ve had so many women reach out with positive feedback.”

Helen Waddington added:
“Hearing from Victoria and Nina and learning how Perennial had contributed to their journeys was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact the organisation can have - often in ways we are not immediately aware of.”

Shannon Kearns, Marketing Executive at J. Parker’s, also shared:
“Hosting events like this is incredibly important for the industry, creating valuable opportunities for women to connect, share experiences and support one another. It was a privilege to witness such passion for horticulture firsthand.”

Looking ahead

Events like this highlight the importance of creating inclusive and supportive spaces within horticulture. By sharing experiences and opening up conversations, we can help more people feel confident taking their first steps into the horticulture industry - or continuing to grow within it.

We’d like to thank all of our speakers and attendees for making the morning such a success. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.