Listening to Women in Horticulture

6 March 2026

Support

Perennial were delighted to attend the latest and largest Women in Horticulture networking event on 3rd March, hosted at RHS Garden Wisley, with ticket donations generously supporting both Perennial and Greenfingers.

With over 100 professional women in the room, plus a significant waiting list, the group set up by Melanie Wood (Fargo Ltd) and Emma Allen (RHS) three years ago is gaining momentum and highlights how important women supporting women in horticulture can be.

The event focused on the diversity of careers in horticulture and the value of the skills women bring through their varied pathways into the industry.

The talk from RHS Director General Clare Matterson CBE was especially insightful; discussing the importance of raising the profile of careers in horticulture by being part of influential conversations, sharing passion for what we do and demonstrating how relevant the industry is - especially when conversations about the future of our environment, climate resilience, managing tourism and gardens have never been more relevant. Clare also highlighted that “the sector is better, more meaningful and relevant and more resilient, when women’s contributions are recognised and women are fully at the table shaping the future.”

There were also five ‘lighting talks’ from women sharing their career pathways into horticulture, including Fiona Slight, Curator at RHS Garden Harlow since 2022 after 18 years as a Lecturer in Horticulture at Askham Bryan College and Meg Warren Davis, from the YPHA who is now working on the RHS Grow app.

As the charity supporting everyone working in horticulture it was a great opportunity for Perennial’s team to meet women working in a variety of roles and trades and discuss the issues and barriers they have faced. These conversations provided valuable insights into how our services can be developed to better meet the specific needs of women working in the industry.

Director of Services Helen Waddington hosted a workshop based around 5 questions:

What advice or guidance would have made a difference at the start of your career?
What support do you wish had been available during challenging moments or transitions?
Which resources, networks or mentors would have helped you progress more confidently?
What barriers might have been easier to navigate with the right support or information?
What sources of information / digital resources do you find the most useful?

People were very open and honest, including a memorable story from an arborist of being 6 months pregnant and halfway up a tree (safely). These insights will form part of a programme of work for the charity for 2026 and beyond.

We will also be attending and hosting a series of focus groups for women working in the industry throughout the year, to ensure we continue listening and informing our work. Helen Waddington will be attending:

- The Daisy Nook Garden Centre event near Manchester on 7th April

- Hosting a focus group at Perennial’s York Gate Garden near Leeds on 27th April -

- A focus group at The Glasshouse in Chobham, Surrey on 3rd June.