Becoming a Landscape Professional: Putting People and Nature at the Heart of Design

On September 20, I’ll be honored to take part in the Montreal School of Horticulture Trades first open house, to be held on the grounds of the Monreal Botanical Garden from 1 to 6 pm. I’ve been invited to give a talk on landscaping, a subject particularly close to my heart. Before becoming a columnist and editor of this blog, I worked as a landscaper and landscape designer for nearly 15 years. It’s a profession I’m still passionate about. Although I know most of you are too far to drop by for my lecture, the invitation sparked a reflection on my career in the landscape industry.

Back to My Roots

I remember when I first started out in landscaping. At the time, I wasn’t really looking for a new career, but rather a break and a change of pace. I took a job as a landscape labourer, for one summer only. What I really wanted was to spend some time outdoors, getting moving and reconnecting with nature. Well, I got what I wanted! Some days were tough, it’s true. Working under the sun, in the wind or in the rain could be difficult. Yet, over time, this direct contact with the elements reinvigorated me. I felt like a child again, half wild, who spent his days outside, rain or shine.

When I got home, I often had to undress before I even walked in the door because I was so covered in mud and dust. The water in the shower would turn brown. But once clean, I felt incredibly light, my body and mind liberated after a hard day’s work. No need to go to the gym: work was my daily workout, and evening rest was well-deserved.

This experience also brought me closer to my father. I think he would have liked me to become an author, like him. But university studies just didn’t agree with me! In the end, I found my own way of connecting with nature: he through writing, and I through creating gardens. Our discussions often revolved around the best plants to use in the garden, low-maintenance landscaping and ecology in general. For me, it was a real return to my roots.

Camaraderie and Diversity

The other thing that stood out for me during those years was the camaraderie I experienced. Yes, the work could be grueling, the days long, and waking up often too early. But, with my colleagues, we always found a way to have fun. Between jokes, impromptu dances or a round of beer at the end of the day, the mood was always one of fun.

I had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. Some, like me, were university-educated but looking for something more down-to-earth. Others were immigrants from all over the world, looking for a new life. I collaborated with former artists, farmers and even an ex-convict. This human melting pot was an eye-opener, and despite our differences, we shared the same respect and pleasure in working together.

Building Dreams

What impressed me most was the transformation we were able to achieve. We often started with a fairly ordinary plot of land, sometimes just a lawn and a few tired flowerbeds. In a few weeks or months, we’d transform the site into our customers’ dream garden. The process was far from clean – between the piles of earth and the machines, it was often chaos. But as the project progressed, the space took shape. And when the final touch came, with the planting of the greenery, the place came to life before our very eyes. Even today, I’m often surprised by the results.

During this period, I worked as a laborer, then as a team leader, while studying landscape design on a part-time basis. Over the years, I’ve learned how important it is to work closely with my customers. We start by getting to know each other, discussing their needs and desires. Then, I propose sketches, they add their ideas, and together we adjust until we reach a result that delights them. Often, there’s that moment of inspiration that brings it all together. And even when the plans are finished, the workers also have ideas that take a project to another level. It really is a team effort, and the most successful projects are always those born of close collaboration and openness.

Everyone Contributes

Collaboration in landscaping goes far beyond day-to-day teamwork and working with customers. It’s an adventure in which professionals with varied skills cross paths and complement each other to bring unique projects to life. Whether it’s an engineer who ensures the stability of structures, a horticulturist who chooses the best plants for the climate, or an architect with whom we harmoniously integrate built elements into the landscape, each contributes his or her stone to the edifice. Irrigation specialists, for example, play a key role in ensuring that water is distributed efficiently, while lighting experts ensure that spaces are sublime at night and safe. Material manufacturers, whether producing stone, wood or other materials, are also essential to ensure that every component of the project is sustainable and aesthetically coherent.

What makes these collaborations particularly rewarding is the opportunity to learn from others. Each meeting with a specialist is an opportunity to discover new techniques, adopt novel solutions or simply see things from a different angle. The diversity of expertise ensures that every detail is carefully considered. Even after nearly 15 years in the business, I’m still learning, and I know I have a lot more to learn.

An Evolving Profession

I started out as a simple laborer learning on the job. But with time and experience, I climbed the ladder, becoming a specialized worker, then team leader, and finally landscape designer and project manager. This profession offers many opportunities for advancement. Some specialize in specific areas such as natural stone or water gardens, while others go into entrepreneurship. The possibilities are endless for those who are ready to evolve and seize opportunities.

The profession, too, is evolving. In the past, the main focus was on creating aesthetic and functional gardens, but today, landscapers are integrating more sustainable and ecological practices, such as the use of native plants, water management, and the design of green spaces that promote biodiversity, not to mention edible plants.

If I have one regret about my career, it’s that I didn’t get any training right from the start. I had to work very hard to learn the trade on the job, while taking workshops here and there or attending conferences, not forgetting countless readings and studying current standards. I could also have avoided many mistakes by learning the basics of the trade from specialists right from the start. In fact, the lecture I’ll be giving at the École des métiers de l’horticulture de Montréal’s open house is entitled “Mistakes to Avoid in Landscaping”. I’ve seen a lot of mistakes along the way, and I’ve made a lot of them myself, so I’m in a good position to talk about them.

Come and see me on September 20 at 5 p.m. at the Montreal School of Horticulture Trades, on the grounds of the Montréal Botanical Garden.