Cheshire Gardener Network


The aim of the Cheshire Gardener Network (CGN) is to enable cost-effective networking amongst Cheshire-based gardeners, promoting the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience. Gardeners from neighbouring counties are also very welcome to come along – the network doesn’t stop at the Cheshire border!

The CGN is an independent group established with the support of PlantNetwork and other garden associations. You don’t have to be a member of PlantNetwork or other associations to take part. Membership of the CGN is free and open to all professional gardeners working in the area – whether working in public gardens, on private estates or self-employed.

The inaugural meeting was held in September 2021 at Ness Botanic Gardens and hosted by Nick Lightfoot (Garden & Collections Manager, Ness Botanic Gardens). More meetings are planned from 2022 and will circulate around gardens in the region. If you would like to host a meeting, please get in touch with the PlantNetwork Coordinator.

To join the CGN, contact the PlantNetwork Coordinator to be added to the CGN mailing list.


Next meeting

07 April 2022, Chester Zoo

Join the CGN at Chester Zoo this April for the spring meeting of the group. All welcome from gardens in Cheshire and surrounding counties. Meet at 10am at the entrance to the zoo. Meeting ends at 12:30pm. Please contact Nick Lightfoot to be added to the invite list – contact via PlantNetwork.


Cheshire Gardener Network Inaugural Meeting

September 2021 at Ness Botanic Gardens

Nick Lightfoot (Garden & Collections Manager) welcomed over 15 gardeners from Cheshire and neighbouring counties to Ness Botanic Gardens to discuss the establishment of a local network, tour the gardens and, most importantly, network with others working in the area. Over refreshments provided by Ness, there was an opportunity to meet other gardeners and representatives of organisations such as The Gardens Trust and PlantNetwork. Tours of the garden and the composting facilities were provided, with an opportunity to network while walking around the garden. The event ended with a general consensus to meet again in 2022!

Participants at the inaugural meeting of the CGN at Ness, Sept 2021