Local Gardener Inspires With Creative Landscaping Ventures

In Prince George, Canada, local gardener Laureen Stevenson is redefining the landscaping scene with her vibrant floral designs and creative outdoor spaces. Stevenson, who founded her business, Green With Envy Landscaping, in 2000, has cultivated a passion for flowers that has deep roots in her family history.

Stevenson’s impressive collection includes multi-tiered planters, decorative wagons overflowing with blooms, and even whimsical fountains adorned with plants. “It’s funny, you know, I can go work at it all day and then I come home at the end of the day and it’s still what I want to do,” she shared. With over 25 years of experience, Stevenson has built a reputation for her ability to transform gardens into breathtaking floral displays.

The gardening landscape in Prince George presents unique challenges due to its relatively short growing season. Stevenson acknowledges this limitation but emphasizes the importance of selecting hearty plants that can withstand the occasional frost. “We need to stick to heartier plants – like petunias – that can take a little bit of frost, and we have had really nice Septembers and Octobers lately,” she noted.

Gardening as a Passion and Creative Outlet

For Stevenson, gardening is more than just a profession; it is a cherished hobby. She believes in starting small and enjoying the process rather than overwhelming oneself with too many plants. “A lot of people plant too much or plant the wrong thing and then it gets to be a job,” she explained. “So start off small so it’s manageable.”

Her advice extends to those interested in growing vegetables as well. Stevenson recommends beginning with a few plants and gradually expanding as confidence grows. She often starts her plants from seed, sourcing some from local greenhouses in nearby areas such as Quesnel and Vanderhoof to diversify her selection.

Stevenson, who gardens in Zone 3, pushes boundaries by purchasing plants suited for Zone 4, demonstrating her innovative spirit. She has successfully kept some plants alive for five or six years, adapting her approach as needed. “If there is something you love that’s a perennial down south, just have expectations that it will be an annual here,” she advised, encouraging gardeners to embrace the beauty of each season.

Future Plans and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Stevenson aims to expand her business by acquiring a farm that could serve as a picturesque wedding venue and photo opportunity site. “What I do now is I will load my wagon in an enclosed trailer and take it to weddings,” she explained. This shift in focus reflects her desire to engage more with the community and offer unique floral arrangements for special occasions.

As she navigates the challenges of lawn maintenance, Stevenson seeks to transition towards a business model centered on flowers, decorative baskets, and event landscaping. “When I go outside, it’s such an escape. There’s no troubles out there,” she said, highlighting the therapeutic nature of gardening.

Stevenson acknowledges that gardening involves uncertainties, particularly regarding weather conditions. “Mother Nature is not always our best friend, but just go with it,” she stated. Her resilience serves as an inspiration to others, urging them to conduct research and prioritize soil quality. “If you have good soil, you’re good to go.”

In her conclusion, Stevenson encourages aspiring gardeners to pursue what they love, reminding them that gardening can be both a rewarding job and a fulfilling hobby. “The garden is somewhere you can be creative in your own way,” she said, reinforcing the joy that comes from nurturing plants and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.