Julie’s Story
Julie Van Damme
All Seasons Nursery
“As a teacher at WDSS, my goal was to provide my students in the Developmentally Delayed Program with an environment that would foster independence. Gardening was an activity my class enjoyed, with transferrable skills like growing flowers and vegetables.
Now as the owner of All Seasons Nursery, I want to continue providing that same experience. While doing landscaping at one of the locations, I met a person supported by Community Living Wallaceburg who was curious about gardening and what I was doing with the plants. Realizing my opportunity, I offered some plants to that individual who was thrilled at the chance to try gardening on his own.
I approached Community Living Wallaceburg about providing the same opportunity to the other locations. For the second year, staff and the people they support make it an annual outing to come to the nursery to grab plants for their homes. Some enjoy the fresh herbs and vegetables for cooking, while others are more focused on the colour, scents and textures of the flowers. I love that I can bring pleasure and fulfilment to others through something I love.”
-Julie Van Damme, owner of All Seasons Nursery.