This International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate all of the wonderful women involved within the world of horticulture all around the world.
Playing a huge part in developing and improving horticulture, women play a series of vital roles within the gardening community, from designers to gardeners, botanists and more. Applying their dedication and creativity, women all across the world who are involved within horticulture are continuing to transform our outdoor spaces, educate others, improve our surrounding environments and inspire other women to leap into the horticultural community.
In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on a handful of magnificent and incredibly talented women who are currently working in horticulture or who have previously played a significant role within the gardening community.
Frances Tophill
A well-recognised and incredibly talented TV presenter, writer and horticulturist, Frances Tophill is an inspirational plantsperson, who can often be spotted talking all things horticulture on Gardeners’ World.
Working as an apprentice at 19 and at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh in the beginning of her career, Frances’ journey into gardening is inspirational to a large community of aspiring horticulturists. Sharing insights into her own garden through her popular Instagram platform, Frances is passionate about sharing her horticultural tips and helping to educate and inspire others.
Beth Chatto OBE
Born in 1923, Beth Chatto was an award-winning plantswoman, garden designer, author and more. Developing her passion for gardening during her childhood, Beth and her husband Andrew were both fascinated by plants and shared a devotion for the nature. In 1960, Beth and Andrew began building their new home and gardens, which were unfortunately based in an area that received little rain. Using her and her husband’s horticultural knowledge, Beth designed and created breathtaking gardens and grounds, that contained plants that were best suited to survive and thrive in these conditions.
Involved with the Flower Club movement, creating gold medal winning exhibitions at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and publishing a wide variety of books, Beth Chatto was an inspirational woman who inspired and continues to inspire gardeners, horticulturists, designers and more to this day.
Sarah Raven
A gifted horticulturist, writer and cook, Sarah Raven is a highly respected English gardener. Developing her enthusiasm for horticulture from an early age, learning botany alongside her father, Sarah’s ever-growing love for flowers and the environment enabled her to soon transform this passion into a full-time career. Starting her business from her beautiful garden in Perch Hill, Sarah produces an expansive variety of seeds for both the cutting and kitchen garden. Her website also stocks a variety of breathtaking plants, bulbs, gardening kits and more!
Author of a total of 14 books and hosting an inspiring podcast called, ‘Grow, Cook, Eat, Arrange’, Sarah is an incredible female figurehead who continues to inspire other women and horticulturalists to enhance their skills and to take a leap into the world of horticulture.
