Horticulture Technician students at Niagara College recently took on a project as part of their co-op placement, involving a redesign and rebuild of the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus. This initiative provided three students, Katja Spoerri, Nanette Breugem, and Santiago Cordova, who recently completed their co-op placement at the NC Greenhouse, with a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful way.
Led by Spoerri, the project kicked off in late spring and was completed by the end of July. Spoerri, who has a background in furniture design, selected the wood, legs, and varnish to ensure the benches would withstand outdoor elements while providing a comfortable resting spot for people on campus. The students focused on creating accessible seating in one of the most beautiful spaces on campus, making it a welcoming spot for all.
The Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden was created in memory of Saundra Patterson, the devoted partner of former College President Dan Patterson. The original benches, built by previous NC students, had not weathered well over the years. The new benches, designed and built by Katja, Nanette, and Santiago, not only enhance the garden but also honour its legacy.
“This opportunity allowed Katja, Nanette, and Santiago to utilize their previous working experiences to create artisan, one-of-a-kind benches for the Daniel J. Patterson Campus,” said Matthew Orr, Manager of Grounds & Greenhouse Operations. “When Katja was hired as a co-op summer student, she mentioned her previous experience building and creating furniture, so I asked if she would be interested in re-building the benches. I gave her full autonomy to recreate as needed; she gave me a parts list to purchase, and I got her the material and help she needed from other students.”
Orr praised the students’ work ethic and dedication throughout the project.
“The students worked as great employees, eager to learn and grow in their craft,” he said. “I am very proud of the result, and so is Dan Patterson.”
Student Nanette Breugem, who has a background in greenhouses and farming, expressed her enthusiasm for the project and her overall experience studying at NC.
“I have dived headfirst into all my courses, loving each one more than the last,” she said. “The Horticulture program is wonderful. I was handpicked out of class and asked to do my co-op here at NC, and I proudly took the offer.”
Breugem appreciated the hands-on learning experience the NC Greenhouse co-op opportunity offered.
“Since starting co-op, I’ve got to learn almost all the machinery–skid steer, tractor, zero turns, and line trimmers–and got good experience on each,” she said. “Working in the grounds, greenhouse, and turf crew was fantastic and I’ve learned to appreciate having good coworkers alongside me.”
Under Katja’s leadership, Nanette and Santiago played crucial roles in supporting the project.
“We gladly helped Katja with whatever she needed,” said Breugem. “We varnished wood many times, helped her move the metal legs to spray paint, and helped assemble the wooden benches.”
Breugem’s favourite part of the process was finally seeing the completed benches in the Saundra Patterson Memorial Garden.
“There was so much hard work and love put into the benches and now everyone gets to enjoy them,” she said.
Breugem hopes to take the woodworking skills gained during the project with her into the future.
“I hope to use some of the skills I learned from the co-op in my everyday crafting and tinkering at home,” she said.
Though unsure of her future career path, whether it be continuing education or a career in gardening, Breugem credits Niagara College for setting her up for success.
