A new outdoor space is underway at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus and students from Niagara College’s Horticulture Technician – Landscape program are gaining valuable hands-on experience digging into the project.
From September 28 to October 2, students helped build a natural, self-sustaining pond and waterfall on the north side of campus.
The area, located around the corner from the main entrance by the accessible pathway, is being transformed into an inviting “Student Oasis” to connect more students, employees and visitors to the great outdoors and to make campus more walkable.
Professor Carrie Zimmerman has been designing the space with faculty and students.
“If you look at horticulture therapy and link that to mental health for our students, one of the biggest things that we can do is try to pull our students from inside a building to the outdoors and get them to relax for a moment between classes,” said Zimmerman. “The student oasis is supposed to do that.”
Planned design features will incorporate recreational elements like two golf putting greens, as well as comfortable seating surrounded by a variety of planting beds. Other features are also being considered to enhance the space and help elevate the student experience further.
Experience trickles down
The installation of the pond marked an important evolution in the project as the water feature will serve as the centerpiece of the space, which, once complete, will enhance campus biodiversity, aesthetics, and student experience while providing applied learning opportunities for multiple cohorts within the School of Environment and Horticulture.
The pond was generously donated and built by Burlington-based company Jackson Pond. Owner Phil Jackson and his crew spent several days on campus, giving students a crash course in the installation process from the excavation and leveling stages to laying rock, lighting and filling the pond.
The experience was rewarding for Jackson, who enjoyed sharing his expertise with students to help educate the future workforce for a booming industry.
“When I first started my business, I asked lots of questions and a lot of people helped me,” he said. “So I believe in the same thing. I need to help the next generation as they come up, and this is my way of giving back.”
Second-year student Erika Ortega appreciated the opportunity to learn from an industry expert in a niche area of landscape design.
“We actually got to help install the pond, putting in the larger granite rocks and [using] the excavators,” said Ortega. “They showed us how to clean the ponds, how they work their waterfall into the pond itself, and we learned how to install lighting, so it’s pretty fantastic.”
Student Erika Ortega checks the elevation of the pond with Phil Jackson
This is the second time Jackson has partnered with the College. Last year, he donated two beautiful water structures that adorn the north culinary patio, also guiding students through the installation at the time.
“Being able to help and teach people who want to learn is awesome, but more importantly, and selfishly, we all need people in the landscape industry,” said Jackson, who is also involved with NC’s Program Advisory Committee for Horticulture Technician – Landscape.
“The more we can teach [students] and the more capable and confident they are, the better it is for the industry as a whole.”
After she graduates, Ortega hopes to land a job with a landscape company as their landscape designer, working her way up in the industry. Applying her skills through real-world projects is giving her a leg up.
“The hands-on experience gives students that bit of confidence when they get out in the field and boosts your resume when you get out of school,” she said.
Professor Jeff Bax, who is also a faculty lead, noted that other industry partners are on board to support different parts of the project, including Linzel Distributing and Oaks Landscape Company/Brampton Brick (donation of pavers). His students are eager to continue transforming the space.
Next steps
Ongoing collaboration with the Planning and Capital Projects and the Facilities Management Services teams have helped bring this project to life. This fall, the concrete pathway will be extended to the doorway of the Student Commons and Cafeteria, allowing Landscape students to create an adjacent stone patio surface through their course work.
Construction of the overall project will be complete in about two years with students gaining valuable design and build experience throughout the process. Once finished, future students will help maintain the space for years to come.
