Charlotte O'Leary
2024 | Horticulture
“My goal is to leverage this global experience to drive positive change within my community to inspire others to embrace sustainable gardening practices, to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and to cultivate green spaces that beautify our surroundings.”
The Global Footprints Scholarship represents an unparalleled opportunity for me to expand my horizons, deepen my knowledge, and forge connections with like-minded professionals on a global scale.
With a Certificate III in Horticulture from TAFE NSW, I have a solid foundation in plant care and sustainability practices, but I recognise that there is still so much more to learn.
I hope this scholarship will give me invaluable insights into international horticultural practices, opportunities to exchange ideas with experts from around the world, and to explore innovative and practical approaches to sustainability.
I have been actively involved in studying plant health, care, pests and diseases, trees, and sustainable horticulture practices for more than four years.
My experience has shaped me into a versatile, enthusiastic, and competent professional who is passionate about plant care and management.
Throughout this period of working and studying, I've developed a keen eye, detailed knowledge, and skills that I utilise when it comes to designing environmental spaces and caring for plants.
However, my passion for horticulture is not just a career choice; for me it is a way of life. I find solace and fulfillment in working outdoors, nurturing plants, and creating vibrant green spaces.
My love for horticulture extends beyond the confines of the workplace, as evidenced by my extensive personal collection of indoor houseplants and my dedication to teaching others about plant care and nutrition.
Working in the industry, I've come to understand the intricate balance required to maintain plant health and nurture sustainable environments. I believe there's always room for growth and learning, especially on a global scale, and this scholarship presents a unique opportunity for me to not only expand my horizons but gain invaluable insights into international horticultural practices.
Beyond simply cultivating plants, for me, horticulture embodies a multifaceted discipline encompassing ecology, sustainability, and cultural exchange.
I believe this scholarship will provide me with an invaluable opportunity for personal and professional growth. Interacting with experts and engaging with different perspectives, techniques, and challenges across other countries will foster cross-cultural understanding, empathy, and collaboration.
I anticipate that these experiences will not only expand my global network but also inspire me to become a more effective advocate for sustainable horticulture practices in my own community and beyond.
Ultimately, my goal is to leverage this global experience to drive positive change within my community to inspire others to embrace sustainable gardening practices, to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and to cultivate green spaces that beautify our surroundings. It aligns perfectly with my aspirations to elevate horticulture as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and sustainable environmental growth.
A Global Footprints Scholarship is your opportunity to do more of what you love. What have you done at work that you are proud of or passionate about?
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in various roles within the horticulture industry, from Garden Department Manager to Greenlife Buyer and Customer Service Representative. Each position has afforded me unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact and pursue my passion for plants and the environment.
There are, however, several specific projects that I have led that I am most proud of. In my current role as Garden Department Manager and Greenlife Buyer for seven independent Sunlite Mitre-10 franchises, I curate the plant collections and promote sustainable gardening practices. One of my greatest achievements has been expanding our plant selection by acquiring new supplier contacts and introducing exciting new species to our inventory. By leveraging my network and staying abreast of emerging trends in the industry, I've been able to bring fresh, diverse and exciting options to our customers, enriching their gardening experiences and fostering a deeper connection with our store offerings. Additionally, my role has allowed me to personally connect with many customers, offering guidance and expertise to help them achieve their gardening goals. I assist with plant selection, troubleshooting pest and disease issues, and providing tips for plant care and maintenance and am proud to share my knowledge and passion for horticulture with others. Prior to Mitre 10, I was the sole Greenlife Buyer for Eden Gardens, where I further honed my skills in plant selection, inventory management, and supplier relations. By ordering plants to suit nursery seasonality and customer preferences, designing captivating plant displays, and ensuring the upkeep and presentation of our nursery and Gro stores, I played a vital role in creating an inviting and immersive shopping experience for our customers while also increasing sales and revenue. Working in a retail nursery environment has been a fulfilling experience for me to date.
My experience as a department manager has allowed me to lead by example, fostering a culture of teamwork, excellence, and environmental stewardship among my colleagues, which in itself I see as a critical component of successful and sustainable horticulture practices.
Another project I am particularly proud of was spearheading the implementation of a pest management system into the store’s garden operations. I led a team to develop and implement a strategy to reduce our use of conventional pesticides and which was tailored to our specific plants and growing environment. The store was able to significantly reduce pesticide usage while maintaining quality standards. Not only did this initiative contribute to cost savings and improved profitability, but it enabled me to learn and see the results first-hand of a practical project implementation.
Overall, my work in the horticulture industry has been driven by a genuine passion for plants, a commitment to sustainability, and a desire to inspire others to connect with nature. I am passionate about advocating for greener practices in horticulture and inspiring others to adopt more sustainable approaches to gardening.
A Global Footprints Scholarship is for you if you are passionate about creating a sustainable future. Describe something you have done at work or are working on, that helps the environment. Why is it important to you?
Sustainability lies at the heart of everything I do, both personally and professionally. In my role as a horticultural professional, I am committed to promoting sustainable practices within the industry and fostering a learning environment among my friends, family, colleagues and customers.
One initiative that I am particularly proud of is my work in establishing sustainable practices within nursery operations. As the sole nursery operator for four days a week at Bunnings Warehouse, I had the opportunity to implement various sustainability initiatives which benefited the business. I educated customers on how to reduce plastic usage by promoting biodegradable pots, using organic fertilisers and determining the correct control methods for plant pest and disease problems and helping them to minimize their environmental footprint.
Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of educating customers, helping them to design courtyards and gardens, and selecting the perfect plants to suit their needs and environments. My previous experience in visual merchandising has also allowed me to also design nursery layouts which not only enhance customer experience but also promote sustainability and plant health.
I led and organised special speakers for the fortnightly Garden Club, fostering a sense of community and shared learning among gardening enthusiasts.
Another ongoing project which holds significant importance to me is the establishment of a community composting program in collaboration with local authorities.
Through educational initiatives and practical demonstrations I created and executed in store, I encouraged the local community to embrace composting whatever their garden requirements were, and thus contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These initiatives were important to me because they embody my values as a horticulturalist and my commitment to improving the environmental footprint.
As a BBM Scholar you can choose to go anywhere in the world. Where will you travel with your Scholarship and why?
I hope to travel to countries renowned for their innovative approaches to sustainable horticulture, such as the Netherlands and Denmark. These countries have embraced cutting-edge technologies like vertical farming, hydroponics, and green infrastructure to address environmental challenges while meeting the growing demand for food and plants. I am particularly interested in studying their integrated pest management strategies, water-efficient irrigation systems, and urban greening initiatives and learning how these methods can be applied to enhance plant health and sustainability in diverse environments.
During my visit to the Netherlands, I would like to explore the Dutch approach to sustainable agriculture and urban greening, from rooftop gardens and vertical farms to community food forests and circular economy initiatives.
I am interested in learning about their advanced techniques for water management, soil health, and integrated pest management, as well as their innovative use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Additionally, I would love to visit renowned horticultural attractions such as the Keukenhof Gardens, Aalsmeer Flower Auction and Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam where I can experience the beauty and diversity of Dutch flora and gain insights into their cultivation and conservation practices. Similarly, Denmark's commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation makes it an ideal destination for me to continue exploring progressive horticultural practices. I would love to learn from Danish experts about their holistic approaches to soil health, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, by experiencing firsthand the innovative techniques being applied to driving sustainable horticulture in these countries.
With agriculture accounting for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, I would welcome the opportunity to experience first-hand from companies such as Agreena who are assisting farmers across Europe to profitably transition to regenerative practises by pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soils as a way to reach sustainability goals. I would also be keen to visit Copenhill which is a modern waste treatment and energy production facility leading the way in sustainability and social infrastructure. The plant has a 10,000m2 green roof which creates a biodiverse environment while absorbing heat, eliminating air particles, and reducing stormwater runoff. The building is simultaneously an urban recreation center for the public with a ski slope, hiking route, and climbing wall rising to a height of 85m, with the furnaces, steam, and turbines built beneath the slopes providing enough clean energy to power 150,000 homes.
By immersing myself in these environments, I hope to learn firsthand from field experts, gain practical insights into sustainable practices, and forge valuable connections for future collaborations. I am eager to connect in both countries with researchers and practitioners in the field of horticulture, from greenhouse growers and landscape architects to urban planners and environmental educators.
By exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and gaining a deeper understanding of horticultural practices, I hope to gain valuable insights, inspiration, and deepen my practical knowledge which I can then apply to my work and advocacy back home.
Ultimately, my goal is to return from my journey to Denmark and the Netherlands a broader perspective on sustainability, and a renewed sense of purpose and passion for promoting the environment within my community. Through my experiences abroad, I hope to inspire others to embrace sustainable gardening practices, foster a deeper connection with nature, and work together towards a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for all.
“Charlotte has demonstrated a comprehensive and proactive approach to sustainability, leadership, and professional growth. Her extensive experience in the horticulture industry, coupled with her clear vision for leveraging the scholarship, makes her an excellent candidate. She has the potential to make significant contributions to sustainable horticultural practices and inspire others in the field."
– Global Footprints Assessor Panel