A love of nature, gardening, and the outdoors inspired Jessica Hachey to take step into a new career.
Originally from Dundas and now living in Lynden, Ontario, Jessica is graduating from NC’s Horticulture Technician program as the Dean’s Award recipient for the School of Environment and Horticulture with an outstanding 97.24 per cent average.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Human Resources Management diploma from McMaster University, Jessica spent nearly a decade working as a Recruitment Consultant with the Ministry of Transportation. Following the birth of her daughter, she launched a successful family and wedding photography business, allowing her to spend more time at home.
During the pandemic, however, she found herself reconnecting with the outdoors through hiking, camping, gardening, and volunteer work with environmental organizations, including the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Those experiences reconnected her with her love for nature and ultimately led her back to the classroom.
Throughout the program, Jessica balanced a three-hour daily commute, part-time work, volunteer commitments, parenting an 11-year-old daughter, and significant family changes. Despite the challenges, she excelled academically and embraced every opportunity to learn.
One of the highlights of her experience was a co-op placement at Whistling Gardens, where she helped maintain the 22-acre property, including North America’s largest private collections of peonies and conifers. Before the placement ended, she was invited to return as Head Gardener.
Today, Jessica is doing work she loves while continuing to learn and grow in the horticulture field. As she prepares to cross the convocation stage on June 12 with her parents and daughter cheering her on, she hopes her journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow a new path.
Q&A with Jessica Hachey
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day? What does it personally mean to you?
I am looking forward to celebrating with my fellow graduates and showing my daughter that she can change paths in life and do anything she sets her mind to.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
During COVID, I closed my business and spent a lot of time hiking, camping, and gardening with my daughter. I also began volunteering for a variety of environmental organizations, particularly the Bruce Trail Conservancy, first in trail maintenance and now as a Land Steward.
Those experiences reconnected me with my love of nature and the outdoors and sparked a desire to work in the horticulture field.
What interests you in / why are you passionate about your field of study?
I love being outdoors and working with plants, but what excites me most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. Horticulture combines creativity, science, and stewardship in a way that I find incredibly rewarding.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
This program has been wonderful. I have met so many like-minded people who have a love of all things outdoors and the drive to make a positive impact on the planet.
There are so many kind and passionate teachers in this program who care so much about their students. It’s been an amazing experience.
What did you find rewarding about your program / area of study? Does something stand out to you that you will never forget about your time at NC?
The relationships I built with classmates, professors, and industry professionals have been incredibly rewarding.
I will also never forget my co-op experience at Whistling Gardens and the opportunity it gave me to work in such a unique and inspiring environment.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
There have been many challenges during my time in the program. I commute three hours a day to get to class, I am a parent to a young daughter. There have been major changes in the family over the past year, and I still work part-time and volunteer throughout the year as well.
As hard as it has been, it’s all been worth it.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
I was lucky to have the most incredible co-op experience at Whistling Gardens last summer, tending the 22-acre gardens, including North America’s largest private peony and conifer collections.
An extra big thank you to Paul Zammit and Dena Gavin for helping me find exactly where I was meant to be. I often say I feel like Alice, who’s fallen down the rabbit hole and found Wonderland!
Were you involved in any clubs, teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
Outside of school, I continued volunteering with environmental organizations, including the Bruce Trail Conservancy, where I serve as a Land Steward.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
Absolutely. The program provided hands-on experience, industry connections, and practical knowledge that prepared me for a career in horticulture. It also gave me the confidence to pursue a completely new path.
What have you been doing since you completed your studies at NC?
Before the end of my co-op placement, I was invited to return to Whistling Gardens as Head Gardener and I am so very excited to be back at work.
I learn something new every day, tend the most beautiful gardens, and work with some of the kindest people I have ever met. It has been life-changing and it is truly my favourite place in the world.
What’s next for you?
My focus right now is continuing to learn, grow, and build my career in horticulture. I am grateful to have found a profession that combines my passion for nature with meaningful work.
Any other information you would like to share?
It’s never too late to make a change in life, to follow your passion, and pursue a dream. Life is short – make the best of every moment you have and find your happiness.
