Unlike many gardeners who grow up with their hands in garden soil, Raakel’s interest in horticulture was not sparked until she accepted a summer job in a greenhouse. Little did she know that her decision to take that job would have such an impact. The work exposed her to the beauty and intricacy of plants and gave rise to her current passion for gardening.

Raakel decided to pursue a career in horticulture and is currently a third year student at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. She coordinated the seed exchange program at her school in which the seed of native plants is collected and distributed to various institutions. This led to a particular interest in native plant gardening.

The Canadian Wildlife Federation was lucky enough to have Raakel for the duration of her work placement in the spring and early summer of 2003. During that time, she took care of the demonstration gardens located on our five-acre property. Beyond her responsibility for the overall health and maintenance of the gardens, she researched and designed new beds and expanded and reshaped existing ones. The gardens have never looked better.