How it all started.
I never thought I’d become a horticulturist. As a kid, I helped out at the town’s community garden and kept flowers alive on the balcony of my childhood home, but I always figured I’d follow a different path—like my dad, a financial advisor, or maybe something in IT, thanks to my computer networking diploma. Life, however, had other plans.
It all started during the COVID-19 pandemic in Montreal. With too much free time, I decided to try growing plants just for fun. I bought some tomato seeds, a big pepper plant, and a tulsi (holy basil). They all died. You’d think that would have stopped me, but it didn’t. Then, my fiancée and I were gifted a jade plant by some friends. We cared for it diligently, but it didn’t make it either. That’s when I decided to take a break from plants.
Around the same time, I discovered Lufa Farms, where I started buying baskets of fresh, locally grown vegetables. It got me thinking about how sustainable agriculture was the future. When the pandemic shut down the retail store I was working at, I had a lightbulb moment: why not apply for a job at Lufa’s greenhouse in Anjou?
I sent in my CV, did their test, and got the call. Within a few days, I was officially hired. From day one, I loved it—working with fresh plants, harvesting basil and lettuce, and soaking up the sunshine. It didn’t take long for me to hit my stride. In just three months, I was promoted to team leader. I’ll never forget the joy of calling my fiancée to share the news—I was grinning ear to ear, practically dancing.
That success sparked a hunger for more. I started reading books about gardening, and one that stood out was The Market Gardener by Jean-Martin Fortier. It showed how you could grow incredible organic produce on just an acre and a half of land. I couldn’t put it down, even missing bus and metro stops because I was so engrossed.
Then, a friend offered me an incredible opportunity: two months living and working on a community farm in British Columbia. Without hesitation, I said yes. I packed my bags and headed out. It was an unforgettable experience. I stayed in a small log cabin, with young bulls grazing nearby and farm life bustling around me. The farm provided everything fresh—milk, cheese, yogurt, and all the vegetables and fruit you could imagine. Those two and a half months gave me a real taste of what sustainable farming could look like.
When I returned to Montreal, I went back to work at Lufa. It was there that two colleagues told me about a horticulture school right next to the Montreal Botanical Gardens. “You’ve got a green thumb,” they said. “Why not take it further?” I looked into it, and the idea stuck. By January 2024, I was officially a horticulture student.
One of the first classes was botany, from there I knew I was in the right place. Our professor, Josée, had this incredible energy and enthusiasm that made every lesson engaging. I threw myself into the material, often studying weeks ahead of schedule. When the first exam rolled around, I passed with flying colors and realized that this was what I was meant to do.
Later on in the spring, something unexpected happened. My fiancée mentioned that one of her friends needed help with their garden. I agreed without thinking much of it. I bought tools and fertilizer from the nearest hardware store and got to work. I cleaned up their front lawn, took some before-and-after photos, and left them thrilled with the results. That moment lit a spark.
I started posting on Kijiji, Facebook, and Instagram, launching my own gardening business: MTLGardening. Requests started pouring in. Instead of lounging around during summer vacation, I found myself busy with cleanups, planting, weeding, and more. Being my own boss was a new experience, but I loved it.
Back at school, I showed my work to my teachers, and their response floored me. One of them looked at my photos and said, “Now this is my paycheck. Seeing you apply what we teach you out in the real world is better than any salary I could ever receive.” Hearing that gave me a surge of pride and motivation.
A few months later, in an indoor plants class—again taught by Josée—we worked on terrariums. I’d never given them much thought before, but making my first one changed that. Now, I have a healthy obsession with them, creating miniature ecosystems whenever I can.
As I approach graduation in just two weeks, I can confidently say that horticulture has become my life and my soul. It’s been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing. If you’re reading this, I hope it inspires you to pursue what you love—because the future is green.
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I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to the people who’ve made this journey possible. First and foremost, thank you to my teachers. Your guidance, support, and passion have been invaluable. From inspiring lessons to constructive feedback, you’ve helped me grow not just as a horticulturist, but as a person.
To my classmates, you’ve been a source of motivation and camaraderie every step of the way. We’ve shared ideas, worked through challenges, and celebrated each other’s successes. I couldn’t have asked for a better group to learn and grow with.
And of course, to my clients—thank you for trusting me with your gardens. Every project, whether big or small, has taught me something new and given me a sense of pride. You’ve helped me build not just a business, but a purpose.
Your support means the world to me, and I’m beyond grateful for every opportunity you’ve given me. Here’s to the next chapter and all the green spaces we’ll continue to cultivate together.
Happy planting,
Issac, MTLGardening
