MORE than 40 people gathered for a morning of inspiration, networking and shared passion for gardening at a special event celebrating women in horticulture.
Hosted by J. Parker’s at its Daisy Nook Garden Centre on the Tameside-Oldham border, the event brought together people keen to learn more about opportunities in the industry.
Guests heard from a panel of speakers who shared their personal journeys into horticulture, offering insight into both the rewards and challenges of working in the field.
Leading the event was Victoria Holden, director of Oldham-based social enterprise Northern Lily, who acted as master of ceremonies.
She was joined by representatives from Perennial and the Royal Horticultural Society, who spoke about their careers and experiences supporting gardeners and communities.
The morning proved particularly valuable for those considering a future in horticulture, with many attendees using the opportunity to ask questions, make connections and explore potential career paths.
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.”
J. Parker’s says the event is part of wider plans to turn the Daisy Nook site into a hub for community activity, with more free workshops, talks and events expected throughout the year.