Katie Erickson was one of 12 recipients of the $1,000 Post-Secondary Scholarship awarded by the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (OHTF) in 2022. Katie learned about the Foundation’s many scholarship opportunities from her teachers at Fanshawe College. The scholarship helped fund her final year of the Landscape Design Advanced Diploma program. Katie looks forward to implementing sustainable design practices that embrace native species, and is passionate about getting people engaged with what’s outside.
Did you have any exposure to horticultural careers in secondary school?
I took horticulture classes in grades 11 and 12 and really enjoyed working in the greenhouse with the plants.
What prompted you to pursue this career?
I have a passion for nature and the outdoors and was having a hard time finding a program that suited me well. My fiancé, Jared, owns a landscaping company and suggested the landscape design program at Fanshawe.
What career path do you plan to take after graduation?
As of April 24th, I have been working alongside Jared as a junior landscape designer for Kettle Creek Landscaping in St. Thomas, Ont. His father, Mike Goodwin, started Kettle Creek Landscaping in 1987. We provide total grounds maintenance, landscaping services, enhancements, and now complete landscape design!
Do you plan to pursue more education?
For now I plan to stay updated within the landscape industry by attending Landscape Ontario’s trade shows, conferences, and training programs.
Who are your role models in the profession?
I look up to many of my professors such as Cindy Buelow, Andrew Wilson, Sara Bellaire and Adriana MacDonald.
What has been your favourite part of learning about landscaping and horticulture?
My favourite part was definitely the plants. I also really enjoyed my co-op at Riverbend Golf Community working alongside my professor, Cindy Buelow.
