Montreal is home to Posy Flower Farm, the city’s first cut flower green care farm, where beauty blossoms alongside the nurturing of human connections. Founded by Lucy Wade, the initiative emerged from her personal relationship with her older brother, Harris, who has an intellectual disability. As Lucy and Harris worked together on transforming a neglected plot of land at Verdun borough’s municipal greenhouse into a flourishing sanctuary of flowers—ranging from dahlias to zinnias—there was a deeper mission at play. “We feel really, really good about it,” Lucy shares, reflecting not only on their bond but also on the potential for community growth and understanding that the farm embodies.
At Posy Flower Farm, the collaboration extends beyond familial ties; it integrates individuals with intellectual disabilities into the workforce. Harris, alongside his peer Ellis, engages in tasks pivotal to the farm’s operation such as mulching and watering, contributing in a tangible and meaningful way. This structure fosters a sense of belonging for employees while also enlightening the community. Lucy envisions the farm as a dual-purpose space; it’s not merely a flower shop, but a platform for neurotypical individuals to witness the capabilities and contributions of those with disabilities. This exposure aims to change perceptions and cultivate empathy, bridging gaps between different experiences of life.
Green care farming, the underlying principle of Posy Flower Farm, emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of outdoor work for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Engaging with nature not only aids in well-being but also counteracts social isolation commonly experienced by those aging out of educational institutions. Lucy notes the stark reality many face: a lack of societal support can often lead these individuals to retreat from the world around them. Through the farm, she seeks to provide a nurturing environment that champions inclusivity, helping individuals like Harris thrive both socially and personally.
Abandoning her career as a medical ethicist, Lucy dedicated herself to creating a space where her brother—and others—could find purpose and community. The choice was profoundly personal; she recognized her struggle to reconcile her professional identity with her family role. For many siblings of individuals with disabilities, there exists a divide between their public and private lives, where they must choose how much to share about their loved ones’ realities. By channeling her dual identity into Posy Flower Farm, Lucy hopes to normalize these conversations, allowing the richness of shared experiences to flourish.
Through her unique journey from marine biology to medical ethics and now to green care farming, Lucy embodies a blend of passion and purpose. Her investment in the farm represents more than just a career change; it is an unparalleled commitment to challenging societal norms surrounding accessibility and inclusion. By facilitating a space that encourages collaboration and mutual respect, her efforts aim not only to enhance individual lives but also to inspire the broader community to engage more deeply with the complexities and contributions of those with disabilities.
Posy Flower Farm stands as a testament to the potential of green care farming to bring people together while fostering understanding and respect across different abilities. As Lucy articulates, engaging with the beauty of flowers can pave the way for vital conversations, breaking down barriers and nurturing a culture of inclusion. This initiative not only highlights the flowers blooming in Verdun but also signifies a blossoming relationship between individuals, challenging societal perceptions, and reimagining a shared future.
