September 11, 2025
David Milne
Beyond the garden: David Milne and the power of apprenticeship
By Niki Edmonds
David Milne, owner of Quercus Gardens, is a dedicated and passionate leader in the landscaping industry, bringing over 48 years of experience to his craft. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Quercus Gardens, a design, build and maintenance firm. Known for creating and maintaining beautiful and lasting landscapes, Milne and his team ensure every project is nurtured from vision to maturity.
But Milne’s industry leadership doesn’t stop there. He has also made a deep impact by helping create tangible pathways for the next generation of professionals as an employer sponsor in Landscape Ontario’s Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship Program.
Milne considers the Apprenticeship Program to be “a no-brainer” and a “gift” for elevating the quality and knowledge within the landscape industry. He explained that it is the perfect opportunity for individuals to learn more about the profession and grow their abilities, while also benefitting companies by acquiring more skilled and knowledgeable employees. “It’s better to train someone and have them leave than not have them trained and have them stay,” Milne said.
According to Milne, improved staff retention is a significant benefit of the program, specifically during the winter months when landscaping work slows down and if the company does not offer snow removal services. The employees remain engaged, motivated and employed year-round while they attend in-class learning during the off-season. This not only supports the livelihood of his employees but also helps maintain a skilled workforce.
A Red Seal endorsement similarly sets a standard of knowledge and skill within the industry. While Milne noted certification isn’t a mandatory requirement during the hiring process, it can certainly be an asset for a potential hire and indicates a solid foundation in landscape horticulture best practices. Milne shared that a couple of his current employees are preparing to take their Red Seal exam in the future, and he and his team are fully committed to supporting their success.
He emphasized “apprenticeship is a two-way street,” offering a dynamic experience where both mentors and apprentices can benefit. While apprentices gain hands-on experience and insight from accomplished professionals, they also bring fresh ideas, updated knowledge and perspectives shaped by the current curriculum. Milne views this as an opportunity, not just to teach, but to learn. For him and his fellow mentors, it’s a chance to stay up to date with evolving industry practices and continue growing alongside the next generation.
Milne views the landscaping industry as a “win-win situation” because it allows individuals to connect with nature, while promoting personal health and well-being. He vocalized the need for change in the industry, where outdated attitudes are reversed, women are represented and respected, and every individual feels they belong and are supported.
Milne’s approach to landscaping is rooted in kindness and a profound respect for both people and nature. Through his work, mentorship and advocacy, he’s not only shaping beautiful gardens but helping cultivate a more inclusive industry.
More information about the Apprenticeship Program can be found at horticulturetechnician.ca
David Milne, owner of Quercus Gardens, is a dedicated and passionate leader in the landscaping industry, bringing over 48 years of experience to his craft. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Quercus Gardens, a design, build and maintenance firm. Known for creating and maintaining beautiful and lasting landscapes, Milne and his team ensure every project is nurtured from vision to maturity.
But Milne’s industry leadership doesn’t stop there. He has also made a deep impact by helping create tangible pathways for the next generation of professionals as an employer sponsor in Landscape Ontario’s Horticultural Technician 441C Apprenticeship Program.
Growing the future
The Apprenticeship Program combines on-the-job training with in-class education. Employer sponsors like Milne play an important role in hiring apprentices, overseeing their work, offering valuable training and signing off on tasks as they gain hands-on experience at their company. This follows with the apprentices spending two 12-week winter semesters learning in a classroom environment to gain technical skills. Apprentices can write the exam to earn their Red Seal endorsement after completing approximately 5,400 hours of on-the-job training, passing Levels 1 and 2 and gaining written endorsement from their employer attesting to their skills. To encourage employer participation, the Apprenticeship Program offers financial incentives to companies that invest in training the next generation of skilled workers.Milne considers the Apprenticeship Program to be “a no-brainer” and a “gift” for elevating the quality and knowledge within the landscape industry. He explained that it is the perfect opportunity for individuals to learn more about the profession and grow their abilities, while also benefitting companies by acquiring more skilled and knowledgeable employees. “It’s better to train someone and have them leave than not have them trained and have them stay,” Milne said.
According to Milne, improved staff retention is a significant benefit of the program, specifically during the winter months when landscaping work slows down and if the company does not offer snow removal services. The employees remain engaged, motivated and employed year-round while they attend in-class learning during the off-season. This not only supports the livelihood of his employees but also helps maintain a skilled workforce.
A Red Seal endorsement similarly sets a standard of knowledge and skill within the industry. While Milne noted certification isn’t a mandatory requirement during the hiring process, it can certainly be an asset for a potential hire and indicates a solid foundation in landscape horticulture best practices. Milne shared that a couple of his current employees are preparing to take their Red Seal exam in the future, and he and his team are fully committed to supporting their success.
Mentoring apprentices
Milne believes the Apprenticeship Program is an opportunity for individuals to learn from their mistakes, ask questions and develop skills through real-world experiences. As a mentor, he chooses not to micromanage but to provide guidance and support wherever necessary.He emphasized “apprenticeship is a two-way street,” offering a dynamic experience where both mentors and apprentices can benefit. While apprentices gain hands-on experience and insight from accomplished professionals, they also bring fresh ideas, updated knowledge and perspectives shaped by the current curriculum. Milne views this as an opportunity, not just to teach, but to learn. For him and his fellow mentors, it’s a chance to stay up to date with evolving industry practices and continue growing alongside the next generation.
Sharing the love
Beyond technical training, Milne hopes his apprentices take away one very important lesson: a genuine love for nature. He believes nature holds the power to ground us, heal us and bring joy, even in life’s most difficult moments. Whether it’s taking a short walk through the woods or admiring the intricate geometry of a dandelion, Milne encourages others to slow down and appreciate the world around them.Milne views the landscaping industry as a “win-win situation” because it allows individuals to connect with nature, while promoting personal health and well-being. He vocalized the need for change in the industry, where outdated attitudes are reversed, women are represented and respected, and every individual feels they belong and are supported.
Milne’s approach to landscaping is rooted in kindness and a profound respect for both people and nature. Through his work, mentorship and advocacy, he’s not only shaping beautiful gardens but helping cultivate a more inclusive industry.
More information about the Apprenticeship Program can be found at horticulturetechnician.ca