NSCC Kingstec Horticulture Landscape Testimonials

Over the years, we've helped scores of graduates along to finding enjoyable, rewarding, and steady careers in horticulturally based work. Some work for others and some work for themselves as thriving entrepreneurs with their own companies. As well, the results of their talents and skills is always appreciated, whether it's by their employers, clients, or the communities in which they apply themselves.

Here is just a sampling of some of the things people have been saying about the NSCC Kingstec Horticulture program:

Our graduates find rewarding jobs that benefit their employers and themselves

"The Horticulture program at NSCC led me directly to my current position as the Conservation Horticulturist at Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens. I made the initial connection at the Botanical Gardens just 2 months into my course through a fall work term. Now 7 years later I am managing the 6 acre Gardens and a staff of Native Plant Gardeners and Environmental Educators. My instructors in the Horticulture Program were inspirational and the program gave me a great foundation for starting my career. Thanks for being so inspiring!"

Melanie Priesnitz, Conservation Horticulturist
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
Acadia University, Nova Scotia

"The Landscape Technician Certificate program gave me invaluable landscape skills and knowledge. The classes were varied and interesting, the instructors dedicated and helpful, and the field work made the learning real. After graduating, I established a landscape design/ build company and more recently become a landscape architect. Thank you Kingstec for starting me down an exciting career path!"

Andrew Robertson, 2000 graduate
NSCC Kingstec

"Since 1998 I have been hiring students from the Kingstec Horticulture program either for their workexperience or to work with my business for the season. During this time I have seen many changes in the program and I particularly like the recent change to the 2 year diploma program that is offered at Kingstec. The students that I hired have been confident and knowledgable and yet they could adapt very well to my company profile. The students have a great work ethic and were well prepared for their imployment in industry.

For me as a landscape contractor it is vital that I am in close contact both with the students and with the instructors. The success of my business relies on key people for my company and Kingstec has been a great source for that over the years. But a landscape horticulture program is only as good as their instructors and both Tim Amos and Jamie Ellison are amazing teachers and passionate mentors!"

Joe Bidermann
Certified Landscape Designer, CLD (Atlantic Region)
Certified Horticutural Technician, CHT
Shelburne, Nova Scotia

"For the past decade the Town of Wolfville and the Nova Scotia Community College, Kingstec Campus have been partners in many activities that represent challenge, cooperation and collaboration between the Town’s Parks Department and the Kingstec Horticulture program.

Students in the Horticulture program have been engaged in the preparation of hanging baskets for the Wolfville downtown business core and the Parks Lead Hand for Wolfville has presented to the students in the program. One graduate of the Horticulture program has been hired full time by the Town and several students have been engaged as full time summer parks staff. As well, several students have been involved with the Town in work placements.

We will continue to enhance our working relationships with both staff and students to the mutual benefit of both partners."

Robert Stead, Mayor
Town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia
January 23, 2008

"The Horticulture Program at NSCC was the perfect way for me to place some foundation and credibility underneath my years of experience in the industry. With a focus on evolving trends in the industry and access to the best resources available, I finished the program ready to jump into the industry. Just as important, the facilities were simply a healthy and wonderful environment to be in and I enjoyed my time there very much. I completed the program on a Friday and began my career at Vesey's Seeds Ltd. on Monday. Five years later, I am still at Vesey's, using many of the tools I learned at NSCC."

Vanessa Hamming, 2003 graduate
Vesey's Seeds, Nova Scotia

"Looking back I can honestly say I would not be where I am today if it were not for the Landscape Technician course that I took at Kingstec Community College in 1995/1996. After graduation I started working for Oceanview Landscaping in Chester, the same company that I did my 2 week job placement with. I worked as a gardener the first year then the second year my boss and I decided to open a retail garden center (Natural Expressions Garden Center which we have just renamed Oceanview Garden Center). Both the landscape company and the garden center have seen significant growth in the last eleven years. The garden center has gone from one small greenhouse to being one of the largest operations in the province. The landscape company has gone from a staff of two to a staff of twenty five plus...

The Horticultural Technician course gave me the basics I needed to be confident in all aspects of the ‘growing business.' Every day my instructor, Tim Amos, shared his vast knowledge and experiences in such a way that it is indelible in my memory. Thank-you, Tim! We have also hired four graduates from the program over the years; three of them have stayed with us for more than five years, and they have all been huge assets to the company. I would recommend the course to anyone who has a keen interest in gardening or landscaping."

Susan Mosher
Owner/operator
Oceanview Garden Centre and Landscaping, Chester, Nova Scotia