Meet the Winners
Here are the successful applicants of the 2025 Jane Stock Excellence in Horticulture Scholarships:
Allyson Dykshoorn
Van Belle Nursery (Employee)
Trinity Western University, Environmental Science
I am a student at Trinity Western University, pursuing a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Business Administration.
Over the past four years, my work in the horticulture industry, specifically at Van Belle Nursery, has had a major influence on both my personal growth and academic decisions. What started as a part-time job quickly became a meaningful experience that shaped how I view the world and my role in it. Working closely with plants has deepened my appreciation for the environment and sparked my interest in sustainability. This experience ultimately inspired me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.
Through my time working in horticulture, I've developed a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Learning about plant life, health, and environmental care firsthand gave me a new perspective on the importance of preserving our ecosystems. It also helped me develop a strong work ethic, patience, and a sense of responsibility, not only to my work but also toward the environment as a whole. I hope to use my university education to explore global environmental challenges and find practical, science-based solutions that can be applied in my local community.
My goal is to study plant and environmental systems in depth and use that knowledge to support the restoration and preservation of natural areas, especially in my own community. Whether through reforestation projects, sustainable agriculture, or public education, I want to contribute to a future where communities can thrive alongside healthy ecosystems. I believe Environmental Science will be a path that gives me the tools necessary to address these concerns in impactful ways. This scholarship is a tremendous help in supporting my academic journey.
Outside of work and school, I've also been involved in community volunteer work that reflects my passions for restoring the environment and preserving local green spaces. I have been a part of the Abbotsford Youth Council this past year, and I've taken part in local park cleanups and supported events aimed at engaging youth in local life. I've also volunteered regularly with Run For Water. This local non-profit raises money to build wells and schools in rural Ethiopian villages by hosting a running event at a city park. These experiences have helped me understand the importance of community involvement and the impact that these actions can have within the community and worldwide.
My experiences in horticulture, community service, and volunteer work have not only influenced my academic goals but have also shaped who I am and the ways I hope to make a positive impact in my community. I am excited to continue learning, growing, and giving back, both through my studies and in the broader world.
Lauren Atkinson
Grow and Gather Trice Farms Ltd. (Employee)
KPU, Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship
I work in Nursery Production, at the Nursery Grow and Gather Trice Farms, in Maple Ridge. The horticulture industry has influenced my career plans to work in Nursery Production, because I love learning how to grow and care for plants and monitoring plant health in the greenhouses, as well as helping customers in the Garden Centre of the Nursery select the right plants to design their gardens. I also love spending time in my home garden, and I am passionate about creating a pollinator friendly garden with four seasons of interest, and year-round colour.
In December of 2024, I completed the level 2 Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship program through Burnaby Continuing Education, as well as in January 2025 I completed the American Hort Greenhouse Technician Certification. I am looking forward to continuing my education and learning more about the horticulture industry, and supporting my career.
Continuing my Horticulture education, will allow me to gain more skills and knowledge to better serve the community. Some of the ways that I hope to be able to use my horticulture education to support my community is through sharing and teaching the importance of environmental stewardship at the Nursery. I feel that it is important to help educate customers about taking care of our environment and landscape with sustainable practices, as well as protecting and maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape. Furthermore, continuing to learn more about Native Plants, and the importance for planting them in our landscape to help support our pollinators and ecosystem.
The Jane Stock Horticulture Foundation Scholarship is important to me, because I really enjoy working in the horticulture industry. This scholarship helps to continue my education - to keep learning, growing, and developing the skills to have a bigger environmental impact in the community.
Some of the work experience that l've had in the horticulture industry in the community include working as a gardener for a Landscaping company called Four Seasons Lawn and Garden Care. I worked in Garden Maintenance for residential, strata and commercial properties, and I enjoyed getting to know the clients and was passionate about making their landscape and gardens look beautiful. I enjoy working in Garden Maintenance Landscaping, however I wanted to learn more about the horticulture industry, which led me to pursue a career working in Nursery Production.
Working at the Nursery Grow and Gather Trice Farms, has helped me grow in a way that has allowed me build upon my previous work experience skills and continue to grow my horticulture knowledge, such as learning about the importance of soil science, environmental impact, and how to grow, care, and monitor plant health. This scholarship, will help support my post secondary education to pursue my goals of becoming a Landscape Horticulturist. My hope is that my horticulture education will enable me with the knowledge and confidence to serve the customers at the Nursery, and to share with them about the importance environmental stewardship in the community.
Blue Pine Enterprises
University of the Fraser Valley, Business Administration
Kaylee Devries
Horticulture has always been a part of my life in little ways. It started by helping my mom out in her vegetable garden weeding. As I got older, I helped with yard work on Saturdays. Between household and garden chores, I developed a good work ethic from a young age.
In the summer of 2023, I was offered a job at Blum Luxury Gardens. This job allowed me to learn more about the field, and I realized that I have a love for ensuring that clients' outdoor spaces are healthy and well-maintained. Seeing the growth of plants and the transformation that a few hours of work can do is truly rewarding. At home, I have also started a flower garden. This little hobby has brought me great joy. This past year, I studied at the University of the Fraser Valley in the Kinesiology program. I realized once I started working at Blum Luxury Gardens for the summer that I enjoyed working outdoors and with my hands. This summer, I was promoted to a crew lead position, and I decided to pivot my studies from Kinesiology to a business administration degree. I hope to use this degree to enter a management position in the future.
I enjoy striving for efficiency and mentoring others in the area of garden care. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge that I have gained in the field with others in my community. This will hopefully lead to a healthier environment and more blooming gardens for others to enjoy. It also provides an arena to encourage and support one another in all areas of life.
Last spring, I went on a Mission trip to Mexico to an orphanage in Querataro. There, we helped with some garden work and planted some fruit trees, along with assisting in the construction of a new building. Making a difference there allowed me to realize the beauty of sharing what we have been blessed with. Volunteering in many leadership positions has allowed me to build the character traits needed for my job today.
This past year, I volunteered as a grade 8 girls' basketball coach. This allowed me to give back to my community and mentor young girls. I have also volunteered at Stepping Stones Bible camp for the past three years. This camp is a lot of fun, and has granted me an opportunity to build relationships with people of all ages and support the community they have built around this camp. Winning this scholarship allows me to financially take time off work to continue to volunteer in these ways. This scholarship to me means community. Leading with integrity and being good stewards of the earth on which we live. The horticulture field is a great place to connect with people, nature, and community.
Think Green Landscaping Ltd. (Employee)
Seminary of Christ the King, Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy)
Esteban Lopez
I am a Philosophy student at the Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, BC. I spent my first year of post secondary education in Edmonton, Alberta studying introductory Philosophy courses and volunteering.
My first exposure to the Horticulture and Landscaping industry was in the summer of grade 10 when I worked at the farm of a family friend. There, I took care and oversaw the local nursery by tilling the soil, planting, helping with irrigation, and transporting plants. Since that experience was so fruitful and edifying, I decided to return to the landscaping industry during my school breaks, including my current summer job, which has allowed me to learn more about plants and understand the industry better. I developed an interest in serving others while studying philosophy by watching plants grow. At the nursery, I was able to observe closely the circle of life that we endure as humans, but... it was through the lens of plants: our journey begins as small as a seed, then flourish and grow, and finally, we slowly - or suddenly- decay and return to the earth.
However, no matter our size, we are always remembered by the beauty and life we bring to the places where we live. While working there, my grandfather shared a quote by Confucius that impacted me greatly, and helped me discern my next steps in life. He shared, "If you think in terms of a year, plant seed; if in terms of ten years, plant a tree; if in terms of 100, educate the people." The more reflected on this Chinese proverb, the more invested I became to grow in virtue and overcome bad habits, knowing that I want to be a good example for the future generations.
I study philosophy because I plan to attend graduate school, and eventually teach others how to protect and admire the nature that surrounds us, always alluding to the similarities of a plant's life and that of a person's life. This scholarship is very important to me since I am 100% in charge of paying my tuition. I am a triplet and paying the tuition of 3 university students would be disastrous for my parents. Throughout the past 3 years I have worked really hard to get to the place where I am at, but I have also volunteered to be more involved in the community and to give back some of the things I have received. For example, last February I spent a month volunteering in Whitehorse, Yukon and Telegraph Creek, BC - an Indigenous reserve 10 hours south of Whitehorse. There I joined the children's P.E. classes and supported the local families. It was a really edifying experience that I will always cherish.
ParaSpace Landscaping (Volunteer)
KPU, Horticulture
Jake (Jiyoon) Lee
I am a logistics professional with over 6 years of experience in Canada, specializing in import coordination, customs clearance, and overall logistics operations.
I was born in South Korea, served in the Korean Navy for two years, and spent my early twenties gaining diverse life and work experiences — including two years in Australia. In my late twenties, I moved to Canada to pursue a career aligned with my academic background and began working at a global logistics company.
While working in logistics, I developed a growing interest in plants and trees that I had never seen in Korea or Australia. Being surrounded by unfamiliar yet fascinating species sparked my curiosity, and I began studying them in my spare time. Over time, this casual interest started to feel like more than just a hobby — in 2024, I began seriously considering it as a new career path.
That same year, I made a bold decision to step away from the office and join Para Space, where I now work as a Supervisor. I'm currently focused on building deeper knowledge in this field and growing into a more specialized role — one that combines hands-on work, learning, and a deep connection with the outdoors.
Growing up, I've always been drawn to nature and the quiet but powerful way it sustains life. My interest in horticulture became more personal as I started a family of my own. I'm now the proud father of a curious four-year-old boy who shares my love for the outdoors. One of my greatest joys is taking him to our local community garden, where I show him the plants I care for and explain the importance of soil, sunlight, and sustainability. These moments not only deepen my bond with my son, but also reinforce my belief in the power of horticulture to educate, nourish, and connect people.
Inspired by this passion, I've decided to pursue the Horticulture Apprenticeship program at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). This program offers the hands-on training and technical knowledge I need to turn my love for plants into a long-term, meaningful career. I'm especially interested in sustainable landscaping and food production, and I hope to use my skills to support local food security initiatives and eco-conscious design in both urban and rural communities.
My experience volunteering with Paraspace's community garden projects has further strengthened my commitment. Working alongside others to restore and maintain green spaces showed me how impactful this work can be. There's something incredibly meaningful about planting a tree or tending a garden that will benefit people you've never met. That sense of giving back through nature is something I want to carry into my career.
This scholarship makes a significant difference for me and my family. As a student and father, financial stress is a real challenge. Receiving this support allows me to focus more fully on my training, without having to sacrifice time with my family or take on additional jobs to make ends meet. It's not just about the money-it's about the opportunity to grow and move forward with purpose and stability. Beyond my own goals, I'm passionate about giving back. I believe that education and opportunity can change lives, just as this scholarship has helped change mine. One of my long-term dreams is to establish a scholarship foundation of my own, to help aspiring students who face similar financial or personal barriers. I'm deeply committed to this path and to using horticulture as a tool for community building, sustainability, and positive change-locally and globally.
Scholarship Winners Since 2012
2025
Kaylee Devries (Blue Pine Enterprises; University of the Fraser Valley, Business Administration)
Esteban Lopez (Think Green Landscaping Ltd., Employee; Seminary of Christ the King, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy)
Jiyoon (Jake) Lee (ParaSpace Landscaping. Volunteer; KPU, Horticulture)
Lauren Atkinson (Grow and Gather Trice Farms Ltd., Employee; KPU, Landscape Horticulture Apprenticeship)
Allyson Dykshoorn (Van Belle Nursery, Employee; Trinity Western University, Environmental Science)
2024
Anna Ladd - Kruger (Horticulture Student)
Frank (Feihu) Zhao (Horticulture Student; Employee of Para Space Landscaping Inc., Burnaby)
Eric Waldorf (Horticulture Student; Employee at GardenWorks)
2023
Rachel Draaistra (Granddaughter to Bill & Grace Van Belle, Van Belle Nursery, Abbotsford)
Joah Walters (Employee of Blue Pine Enterprises, Surrey)
Dinh Tran (Employee of Para Space Landscaping Inc., Burnaby)
Samir Ghimire (Employee of Para Space Landscaping Inc., Burnaby)
Jessica Giebelhaus (Employee at Gardenworks, Victoria)
2022
Danika Potter (Employee of Golden Spruce Nurseries, Langley)
Kenny Shang (Son to BCLNA Member, Frank Shang, MRD Landscaping Inc.)
2021
Brooke Furtado (Daughter to BCLNA Member, Carlos Furtado, Victoria Landscaping)
Iain Wilson (BCLNA Member, ISW Landscapes)
Emma Breukers (Employee at NATS Nursery Ltd.)
2020
Kate van der Zalm (Granddaughter to Art & Dorothy van der Zalm, Art’s Nursery)
Aaron Campbell (BCLNA Student Member)
Samantha Stewart (Daughter to Colin Stewart, Heartwood Farms)
2019
Lynda Krabbendam (West Creek Farms Ltd.)
Caitlin Williams (Meridian Landscaping Ltd.)
Jessie Machhein (Arborist ISA Certificate)
Kayla Whatley
2018
Clare Douglas (Bella Terra Landscaping Ltd.)
Isabella Hargrave (Cedar Crest Lands (BC) Ltd.)
Lea Bortnick-Marks (Rakes & Ladders Garden and Property Services)
Linnaea Kennedy (Blasig Landscape Design & Construction)
Piper Kenney (Hunter Garden Centre)
2017
Colin Jansen (West Creek Farms Ltd.)
Robyn Nakano (Daughter to Michelle Nakano, Kwantlen Polytechnic University)
Nicholas Ogilvie (Ikonic Enterprises Inc.)
Peggy Wong (Phoenix Perennial and Specialty Plants Ltd.)
Paige Hunter (Art’s Nursery)
2016
Anita Proom (Elk Lake Garden Centre)
Juliana Chalifour (Paridon Horticultural Ltd.)
Sam Van Noort (Van Noort Bulb Company Ltd.)
2015
Alexander Johnsen Howkins (Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries Ltd.)
Ashlyn Ouellette (Sticks ‘N Stones Nursery)
Ryan Broadfoot (Think Green Landscaping Ltd.)
2014
Taylor Josephy (Richbar Nursery)
Danielle Frost (Frost Nursery)
Tyler De Jong (Son to Doug De Jong, Misty Meadow Nursery)
2013
Justin McTavish (Environmental Farm Planners Ltd.)
Wayne - Carter Williams (Candy Cane Nursery)
Tyler Burns (Ethical Concrete Solutions Inc.)
2012
Acacia Meyer (Contour Landscape Installation & Design Ltd.)
Christopher Hoegler (BC Plant Health Care Inc.)
Spencer Bronson (Pond Doctor Water Garden Specialist)
Ryan De Jong (Son to Doug De Jong, Misty Meadow Nursery)