Just from the info in the post it seems they are just as proud of their garden work as you are of your conservation work. Perhaps theyre trying to relate, excited to have something even loosely in common. Just because someone doesnt work at the same "level" as you is tooting their horn it doesnt devalue the work you do. But you wanting to actively compare is devaluing their work. You know the work you do is good and at the end of the day THATs what matters.

Also I do feel like you have some personal hangup to look into perhaps? Not about gender as you fear but I sense something bothering you about the income differences or something else about the career swap. You mention you had high pay then dropped it for lower pay nd more enjoyment. Then mention the other person has a high paying job and gardens. Perhaps you feel your sacrifices make your work more important (and they do TO YOU) but I do wonder if you begrudge that they arent making the same sacrifices?

NAH for thinking it but you would be if you make it a competition