Lindsay Drake-Nightingale's presidency from 2022 to 2023 was a period of significant development and advancement for Landscape Ontario.

In her 2023 President Report, she wrote, "These last two years have been the opportunity of a lifetime — being at the helm of the Landscape Ontario board of directors. My presidential theme was ‘Defining the Future.’ The future of the profession. The future of Landscape Ontario. The future of our respective companies. I feel that the future is bright."

Her words encapsulate the essence of her leadership, driven by a vision of unity and progress, and always with an eye towards the future. Lindsay’s presidency was not just about guiding the association through immediate challenges but also about laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

Under her leadership, Landscape Ontario saw numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing member engagement and industry standards. Lindsay's approach was characterized by a blend of strategic vision and hands-on involvement, reflecting her belief in leading by example.

During the association's 50th-anniversary celebration, she urged more members to get involved to continue advancing the profession. In January 2023, she wrote, “Our founders had the vision to make it happen when they gathered around their tables in 1973. A lot has changed since those early days, but one thing is still certain — there is a growing passion for all things landscaping and horticulture. We are the nurturers of tomorrow’s entrepreneurial dreams, sustainable environments, tree canopies, and much more. I believe that the next 50 years of Landscape Ontario is in the hands of strong visionaries.”

Before embarking on her horticultural journey, Lindsay worked with esteemed non-profits, including the VON (Victorian Order of Nurses), the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Canadian Diabetes Association. Although she found fulfillment in these roles, she felt a calling towards a more hands-on approach to making a difference in people's lives through gardening and landscaping.

“Being a gardener is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Lindsay said, “I knew in order to get the most out of it, I had to get involved.”

Being the owner and president of Yorkshire Garden Services in Concord, ON., since 2002, Lindsay's involvement with Landscape Ontario began at the Chapter level encouraged by Bob Tubby of Arbordale Landscaping. She dived into various volunteer roles, eventually becoming the president of the Toronto Chapter.

“I work with a fabulous group of people who strive to increase relevancy at the Chapter level, whether it’s by building a new garden for Sick Kids Hospital, organizing a baseball tournament, or having a roundtable discussion at a Chapter dinner meeting. We are definitely succeeding,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay's contributions to the horticultural industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she received the prestigious Monica van Maris Green Professionals Woman of Influence Award. This accolade recognized her influence and dedication to the field. In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to Monica van Maris, whose vision and toughness inspired her to push boundaries and make her voice heard in the industry.

As she stated in her first President's Message, “After the trials and tribulations of the last two years, I would like to start my presidency by defining the future… I encourage you to look internally at your own organization to see how you are going to dismantle barriers and break down ignorance.”

As president of Landscape Ontario, Lindsay emphasized the importance of the association's traits and volunteer base.

In March 2022, Lindsay wrote, “As we look inwards, it will allow the organization to move forward to continue to fulfill its mission: ‘To be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario.’ The board of directors drives our organization forward and believes the future of Landscape Ontario is worth defining as an inclusive, diverse and welcoming organization.”

In her President’s Message from September 2023, she stated, “Volunteers are key to all that we and our partner organizations do… At Landscape Ontario, we, too, need your valuable input and we’re looking for committee members for the Grounds Management sector group, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB), Chapter Engagement, Growers Group, and at the chapter board level.”

Reflecting on her presidency, Lindsay often speaks of the collective energy and passion that define Landscape Ontario. As a strong believer in LO, Lindsay strives to advance the horticultural industry, and strongly supports the association’s programs of education, symposia and trade shows.

Lindsay Drake-Nightingale's tenure as president of Landscape Ontario was a period of dynamic growth and renewed commitment to community values. Her leadership, marked by a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on involvement, has left an indelible mark on the association and the horticultural industry at large. As she continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of landscape professionals, her belief in dedication and passion endures.