Women from across the horticulture sector gathered at J. Parker’s garden centre in Daisy Nook on Tuesday 7 April for a networking event designed to celebrate and support women in the industry. The morning formed part of the centre’s ongoing mission to create a community and horticultural hub serving Oldham and Greater Manchester.

Attendees included those already established in horticulture as well as individuals exploring ways to enter the field. Through talks and informal discussions, participants shared knowledge, experiences and career opportunities, with a focus on fostering connections and mutual support.

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. Each speaker offered personal insights into their career journeys, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of working in horticulture.

Organisers described the event as a valuable opportunity for networking and learning, with many attendees leaving inspired and better informed about potential pathways into the industry.

The gathering is part of a wider programme of free workshops, talks and community events planned at the garden centre over the coming year. These activities aim to build skills, encourage local involvement and strengthen the garden centre’s role as a focal point for gardeners and green space enthusiasts in the area.

For Oldham residents, the involvement of Northern Lily—a social enterprise that uses horticulture for community benefit—added a local dimension to the event. Victoria Holden’s leadership underscored the opportunities available in horticulture within the Oldham area.

Shannon Kearns, marketing executive at 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."

With its location in Daisy Nook, close to Oldham, the garden centre continues to establish itself as a hub for community engagement and horticultural education. The success of this morning session signals a growing interest in such initiatives across the region.