Hi! My name is Sage. The Founder of Garden Capable.
My Education in Horticulture and the Environment
If you are considering receiving services from Garden Capable, you should be confident that the knowledge and skill you are obtaining is valid. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to receive teachings from highly skilled professionals in beautiful settings that facilitate learning. My post-secondary education is as follows;
- University of Guelph, Baccalaureate Degree in Applied Sciences specializing in Environmental Management and Human Development, graduating on the Dean's list. (2017-2021)
- Niagara College Canada (Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus), College Diploma in the Horticultural Technician Program, graduating with Presidential Honours in all semesters. (2022-2023)
- EcoWisdom Forest Preserve, Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with an interest in Therapeutic Horticulture and facilitating Accessible Nature Well-being Programs (2024)
Knowing about the plants in a garden is key. Fighting their natural growing habits is not productive and leads to frustration in the garden. With acceptance and learning, your "know" maintenance garden awaits!
Let me use my expertise to help you. I am qualified to answer questions regarding plant & tree identification, arboriculture, suitable plant suggestions for your garden dependent on light, soil and moisture conditions, ornamental garden design, pruning techniques (i.e., the right time of year to prune, what to cut, where to cut), plant pathogens & diseases, common and unwanted insects, unwanted plant (weed and invasive species) management, encouraging beneficial pollinators, soil science & health, sustainable gardening techniques, blooms all season, four-season garden interest, specialty gardens (i.e., vegetable & fruit, moon, rain, herb, pollinator, native) and much more.
An Abundance of Experience
I have seven years of experience specific to gardening, horticulture, garden design and the environment. That is a lot of soil under my finger nails! Time around plants has taught me how each grows, which conditions allow them to thrive and to give respect to all. I will never stop learning! My work has included;
- Leading a garden crew with the role of horticulturalist; creating garden designs, facilitating plant installations and maintaining beautiful residential gardens & yards with a landscaping company in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
- Propagating plants in the greenhouse, maintaining the annual garden beds and creating planter arrangements at Niagara College Canada (NOTL Campus)
- Student Gardener maintaining the Niagara Parks prestigious annual garden beds on the Niagara River Parkway
- Performing tree work, extensive pruning, installing large plant designs and hardscaping projects with a professional tree & landscaping company
- Maintaining turf and perennial & annual garden beds at a private golf course for four years
Intention and Respect
As a gardener and a horticulturalist, I hold respect for the Earth that gifts us with plants, which has made me into a conscious and passionate grower. And yes - my name is Sage! I've grown up in Northern Ontario appreciating and learning from the trees and water around me. I founded Garden Capable based on my love of simply growing (not only plants, but my knowledge and awareness as well). My intention is to help people unlock their gardening capabilities and gain a deeper connection with their plants and nature.
I love creating beautiful spaces using layering, foliage, blooms, experimentation and diversity. I am amazed at what we can create with hard work and care, while giving back to our planet. I enjoy gardening sustainably. This includes little soil and insect disturbance and enriching biodiversity including introducing native plants and beneficial pollinators. If all turf lawns were native flower gardens, life would be more colourful and diverse in our residential neighborhoods. Your garden can be a nature pathway and make your neighbours say, "wow!" at the same time. It's a win-win.
I provide honest advice while keeping in mind what you want for your space. No matter the task, I bring a smile and a positive attitude while I am hard at work in your garden - and I am cheering you on as well! You will not regret booking a garden consultation, a garden maintenance session or planning a garden installation with me. Let's get in the garden!
