From burnout to bloom: How Jo found her path

At Chisholm, students don’t just learn new skills; they find new pathways. For horticulture student Joanna (Jo), studying at Chisholm became the turning point that helped her reconnect with what truly energised her: working with plants, gardens, and the natural environment.

Before studying horticulture, she was working as a bookkeeper. While she enjoyed the role, years of doing too much for others led to severe burnout. Taking time to recover helped her realise something important. Being outside, gardening, and caring for the environment had always been her source of calm and creativity. “I’ve always been a gardener,” she says. “Choosing horticulture felt like coming home.”

Her love of plants began in childhood, inspired by her mum’s passion for gardening, visits to beautiful open gardens, and time spent in nature. That connection stayed with her, shaping her decision to study the Certificate III in Horticulture at Chisholm, a place she already trusted. With a Peninsula location and focus on hands‑on learning, Chisholm was the natural choice. “Three of my family members are studying here at the same time,” she adds. “It feels like a community.”

That sense of support was vital when she designed The Stewardship Garden, which went on to win Bronze in the Achievable Garden category at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS). Her design focused on sustainability, repurposed materials, native plants, and practical ideas for small spaces. Studying at Chisholm helped her bring all her knowledge together, with advice and encouragement from her teachers building her confidence along the way.

Seeing her garden on display was a proud moment, but more importantly, it reminded her of why she started. “I hope it shows people that you don’t need a big budget or space to garden sustainably,” she says.

Reflecting on her experience, Jo shares this advice for other students considering taking part in MIFGS “If you are interested, go for it. Each step felt kind of scary, but with the advice and feedback from teachers, it helped me to trust my ideas and what I was capable of. It can really help with getting your foot in the door with the horticulture industry.”