My journey into landscaping began at CAFRE College, where I studied a Level 3 in Horticulture. Initially, I simply knew I wanted to work outdoors and build a practical career. It was during my time there that I truly discovered my passion for landscaping. What started as an interest in plants and working outdoors quickly developed into a love for the construction and design involved in creating outdoor spaces.

College gave me strong technical foundations, but it also introduced me to some incredible people who have shaped my journey. During my time at CAFRE, I had the opportunity to meet Diarmuid Gavin, who was designing the King’s Coronation Garden in Newtownabbey. Being invited to be part of the build team was a pivotal experience for me. Working on a project of that scale and significance opened my eyes to what is possible within landscaping and showed me the impact meaningful green spaces can have on communities.

One of the most defining moments of my career so far was competing in the WorldSkills UK national final in 2023, where I was proud to win a Gold medal. The preparation was intense and demanded precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail. All qualities that are essential in landscaping. That experience not only sharpened my skills but gave me confidence in my abilities.

The same year, I was honoured to receive the Rising Star Award at the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) Awards 2023, followed by being named in the Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation Awards. These achievements were incredibly encouraging and reinforced my belief that dedication and hard work pays off. They also motivated me to push further, seek out new challenges, and continue growing as a landscaper.

I now work at Landform Consultants, which is my first hard landscaping role, and currently run a project as a forewoman. Taking the lead on projects has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to grow quickly. I have developed not only technical skills but also leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. All of which are essential in delivering landscaping projects.

Landscaping is about far more than physical strength. It requires planning, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving every single day. Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry has shaped my journey, but I’ve found that skill, dedication, and hard work speak for themselves. I am encouraged to see more women entering the trade and hope that my progression demonstrates there is space for everyone in this industry.

Looking ahead, I want to continue developing my skills, particularly in garden design, take on increasingly ambitious projects, and inspire the next generation to consider landscaping as a rewarding and respected career. 

This has been written by Anna Mcloughlin.