Horticulture is a vocational sector not, traditionally, favoured by women and therefore comes under the theme of nongender traditional employment. The innovation of the project lies in its introducing a vocational sector to women which was not, generally, popular with them. The upkeep of Birmingham’s many parks, golf courses and athletic stadiums generally falls to male employees, and introducing women to this work which is in close proximity to their homes is an innovative step.  

Professional  horticulturists can find jobs in such areas as Production, Landscape Design, Installation and  Maintenance, Marketing, Research, Pest Management, and inspection. Qualifications available range from a one-year National Certificate to National Vocational Qualifications and all constitute membership of the Institute of Horticulture.  

Two programmes have been delivered for this project, at allotments adjoining Doddington Grove Children’s Centre and at Kings Heath Park. Twenty four women have participated in the training offered and have learned new skills and competencies which would further their progression within this vocational area. These have included soil preparation, composting, growing vegetables, fruit and flowers and growing from seed, pruning and plant disease and how to deal with it.  

Despite the often atrocious weather, the women who participated all reported that they enjoyed the experience. As one of the beneficiaries stated ‘watching things grow has been really great to feel that you can achieve something on your own’.  A Children’s Centre representative reflected that the women participants had found the whole experience ‘very fulfilling growing and selling the produce’.  

Women from both courses continued the hard work of maintaining the allotments in their own time, watering and harvesting crops. One beneficiary described how this had helped her spend some quality time with her son. The allotments and the skills the women learned during the courses have led to the development of a valuable and well-used community resource.

For further information please contact Margaret Dilloway