Interview and Photo by Jason Setnyk
Cornwall, Ontario – Kaitlin Corbett, a passionate horticulture expert and owner of Green Life Gardens, is revolutionizing the world of gardening and herbalism in Cornwall and SDG. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she aims to provide sustainable gardening solutions while promoting the benefits of herbal medicine. Green Life Gardens has quickly become the go-to horticulture partner for individuals and families looking to transform their outdoor spaces into vibrant, thriving gardens.
From an early age, Kaitlin’s love for gardening was nurtured by her family. Spending countless hours in the garden, she developed a green thumb and an innate understanding of plants. Now, she considers herself fortunate to pass on this valuable experience and knowledge to others.
In the past year, Kaitlin has further expanded her expertise by earning certifications in the basics of horticulture, herbal medicine, and soil science. This commitment to continuous learning has allowed her to stay at the forefront of horticultural advancements and provide her clients with the latest sustainable techniques.
Green Life Gardens offers a range of services that cater to the diverse needs of their clients. Whether it’s designing and creating stunning gardens or maintaining existing ones, Kaitlin ensures that every project is executed with meticulous attention to detail. Their sustainable approach to gardening not only produces aesthetically pleasing results but also promotes the long-term health and vitality of the land.
Outside of her business, Kaitlin is an active volunteer at Transition Cornwall +, an organization dedicated to building resilient and sustainable communities. Through her involvement, she shares her passion for horticulture and contributes to the collective effort to create a greener future. She also volunteers for the City of Cornwall’s Adopt a Street program and partnership with Cornwall’s Agape Centre.
Five Questions with The Seeker
1- Why did you decide to become a business owner?
“In 2021, I had suffered from a sudden cardiac arrest, and thankfully the amazing team at the Ottawa Heart Institute got me home. I tried desperately to return to the workforce after this, but it was more difficult than I had anticipated. I had a new entrepreneurial spirit and the goal of returning to my roots -no pun intended.”
2 – What services or products do you offer?
“In the spring/summer months, we offer; horticultural gardening and landscaping, all the things outdoors! In the fall, we offer winter prepping for your gardens/lawns. Once winter arrives, I spend my time learning/receiving new certifications, creating products to sell at the market events throughout Cornwall, and we offer shoveling services.”
3 – What are your company’s goals?
“Our goal is to enhance the looks of your gardens with ethics. It is important to provide an environment for our ecosystem to succeed. We don’t do work that will need more work to fix! In the long term, we want to build passion in the community that gets families gardening together, making memories, and creating a strong environment for our small critters and insects to live.”
4 – Does your business give back to your community?
“Yes! I have a wonderful partnership with Lisa Duprau at the Cornwall Agape Centre. We work together and with the City of Cornwall to ensure our community gardens are thriving. We have also been participating in the Adopt a Street program for four years and counting. Our free garden parties at the Race St. community garden provide an opportunity for families to come and learn about creating their own sustainable gardens!”
5 – What’s next for your company?
“I have received great feedback on our oils, candles, and laundry detergent. In the fall, we will be coming out with the Green Life – Home Sense line, where I will provide natural products (made by me with ethically sourced products) for all things home and body. We are only selling at market events, but a new page will be coming to enable purchases online. Stay tuned!”
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To get in touch with Kaitlin and Green Life Gardens, interested individuals can reach out via phone at 613-935-5158 or 613-330-0319. For inquiries and more information, the business email is [email protected]. Additionally, Green Life Gardens can be found on Facebook under the name “Green Life Gardens,” where clients can stay updated on the latest news.