Career changers find their path through horticulture at CAFRE

Date published: 16 April 2026

Changing direction in life is never easy, but returning to education can be incredibly empowering. The experiences of horticulture graduates Oonah Stringer, Mary Anne Farenden and current student Helen McAneney, show how determination, support, and a passion for Horticulture can open the door to new futures.

Oonah Stringer: Returning to her roots through study 

“I was always interested in the outdoors. As a child I was out in the fields or tending to homegrown vegetable patches in the garden. I didn’t always know the names of the plants I was growing, but I spent a lot of time reviewing how they were doing!” 

This passion led her to study Geography and Environmental Management and to a career with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, where she rose to Senior Scientific Officer, completing a Master’s degree along the way.

Despite this success, she felt drawn back to plants and the practical world of horticulture. She explained: “An RHS course re-lit the fire, after it, I knew I wanted to learn more. My job was rewarding, but also very stressful and demanding.”

CAFRE’s part time Foundation Degree in Horticulture offered the flexibility she needed. With on-going support from lecturers and her manager, Oonah embraced the commitment continuing to work whilst studying.

At CAFRE, Oonah particularly enjoyed plant identification walks and the scientific modules. The combination of academic learning, practical skills and industry exposure suited her strengths. She gained valuable experience through a role with the National Trust, which helped solidify her confidence. 

Two years after completing her qualification she took the final step and founded Oonah Gardens. Today the business is thriving, offering maintenance, companion gardening, and small-scale planting design. She says: “It is great helping others improve their gardens. CAFRE was instrumental in helping me reach this point, not only upskilling me but giving me the confidence to run my business correctly.” 

Her advice to anyone considering a change is clear: “It’s hard work but it is worth it. Be brave and make that jump.”

Mary Anne Farenden: Designing a life through horticulture

Mary Anne originally trained in architecture at Queen’s University Belfast but quickly realised that a traditional office environment didn’t suit her. Further study and job roles helped her explore other possibilities, but none of them aligned with her personal passions and the space for the creativity she valued.

A move into the hospitality sector gave her more freedom and allowed her to develop a small art and signage business, but she still felt “a niggling feeling that I could be doing something even more authentic to myself. I knew I had skills I could reappropriate, passions I could incorporate.”

Seeing an advertisement for CAFRE’s part time horticulture degree changed everything. “It drew me in instantly,” she recalls. Although she worried about her lack of professional plant-related experience, she applied and was thrilled to be accepted. 

“I absolutely loved it,” recalling her time at CAFRE. Her classmates and lecturers formed a supportive community, and she found herself surrounded by students of all ages and professional backgrounds. Her studies also opened unexpected opportunities: competing in and winning Super Garden 2021, leading to designing at Bord Bia Bloom 2022, and working on BBC’s B&B by the Sea.

These achievements helped her confidently establish Mary Anne Designs, where she now works as a full-time garden designer. “I would not be where I am today without the guidance, support and encouragement I received while at CAFRE,” she says. 

Her belief in lifelong learning and personal investment is strong. “If you have the passion for something, invest in yourself to really give it a go. You won’t know until you try, and if you never try, you’ll never know.”

Helen McAneney: From theoretical physics to practical horticulture

With an MSc in mathematics and a PhD in theoretical physics, Helen spent more than twenty years working in research across Queen’s University Belfast, University College Dublin and Ulster University. Despite this academic career, gardening remained a constant joy. 

“I have always enjoyed gardening, and I am now a keen horticulturist. My journey has started with by completing several courses in my local regional college. I was increasing my understanding and then taking this learning into the garden,” she says.

Helen heard about CAFRE from a former horticulture graduate. What truly drew her in was the environmental purpose behind the subject: “I am passionate about preserving the skills of Horticulture. I have a desire to nurture and inspire the next generation, and to grow further with the new era of sustainable regenerative practice.”

Now a current student at CAFRE, she finds the experience intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful. Returning to study as a mature student was a positive experience, enriched by the diversity of her classmates and the supportive atmosphere among staff. She describes the CAFRE team as “friendly, helpful, and experienced.” Her passion in outdoor spaces continues to grow, “I now have the deeper understanding of why we do things in certain ways.”

As well as completing her studies, she has built a fulfilling dual career. “I am very fortunate to have a position within Hillsborough Castle Gardens as a casual gardener, as well as being a part time lecturer in horticulture at my local regional college,” she explains. These roles allow her to blend hands on work with teaching, which she finds deeply rewarding. Her advice is simple: “Follow whatever you have a passion for; you’ll end up in an area where no two days are ever the same.”

Three stories, one message: It is never too late to grow

Oonah, Mary Anne and Helen each began in completely different professions, but all found meaningful new pathways through studying horticulture at CAFRE. Their experiences highlight the power of supportive teaching, practical learning and a strong community at Greenmount Campus. 

For anyone considering a new direction, their message is united and encouraging: with passion, persistence, and the right environment, a fresh start in horticulture is absolutely possible.

If you’re ready for a change in your career, why not consider studying horticulture at CAFRE? We have courses from Level 2 to Honours Degree with both full time and part time routes available. Our staff are ready to support you build a career focused around your passion. To explore our course, please visit the CAFRE website.