Manchester-based garden retailer J. Parker’s welcomed renowned garden presenter Frances Tophill to its recently acquired Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Failsworth to hold a community fundraising event in support of local homelessness charity Petrus, while also inspiring the next generation of gardeners with a free workshop for local school children.
At the event, which was the first of its kind event for the business, Frances delivered a talk on the theme of ‘there is no right and wrong in gardening’. In the discussion, she explored topics such as gardens being not just an extension of our homes but of our personalities; the different ways of growing and being with the land; and how breaking the gardening rule book helps to create a harmonious and happy relationship between people and their gardens.
The talk was followed by an insightful Q&A, where attendees shared the different ways they curate their identities through their gardens. Ticket sales from the event raised £2,000, with all proceeds going towards the great work that Petrus does to support people affected by homelessness in Oldham, Rochdale, and Burnley.
Later in the day, Frances also hosted a free workshop for local school children, helping to continue her passionate work in promoting horticulture as a healthy interest for young people across the UK. Fifty students from Broadfield Community Primary School in Rochdale, Brian Clarke Academy in Oldham, and Holy Name Primary School in Manchester were invited to take part in the interactive demonstration, where they learnt how to plant using the bulb lasagne technique. The session encouraged them to build practical gardening skills and curiosity, with the goal of inspiring and supporting young people to develop a love for gardening.
Frances Tophill said, “To have the chance to meet some lovely gardeners, and potentially the next generation of gardeners, growers and ecologists, all rolled into a fun day of conversation and learning is a lovely thing to be involved with anyway. But for the whole thing to make a contribution towards tackling homelessness and making a difference to those in society who need our help, thoughts and actions the most, is a genuine privilege. Hopefully, others will follow the example of J. Parker’s and use our voice and resources to enact positive change wherever we can.”
The event marks the beginning of an expanded programme of community activity spearheaded by J. Parker’s across Greater Manchester. After acquiring the garden centre earlier this year, maintaining the legacy of the Daisy Nook site, alongside growing the J. Parker’s business, has been a pivotal mission for the expansion of the garden retail brand.
As well as offering a minimum of 24 free talking events each year, J. Parker’s will be expanding its programme of panel-style events in the coming months. These will feature local experts and guest speakers sharing insights with local gardening enthusiasts, all whilst raising funds to support local charities, and strengthening ties within the community.
To build on the important work with young people in the local area, J. Parker’s will also be launching a free monthly gardening club in January 2026. These sessions will be hosted at the Daisy Nook site and will form part of wider plans to develop educational support to local schools and keen young gardeners within Manchester.
Edward Doherty, Marketing Manager at J. Parker’s, said “We are delighted to have had Frances pop along today and give such an insightful, fun and interesting talk to local gardeners here in Manchester. It has been great to share our commitment to community engagement with her and raise some funds to help Sonia, Silvana and the amazing team at Petrus to continue the work they do. In particular, it has been great for the local school children to come along and meet her in person, experiencing first hand her genuine passion for developing the next generation of gardeners. Every one of the children left with a great smile on their face.”
