As part of our SE spotlight series, CSED recently sat down with Laura Ospina, executive director of Amano Gardens, to learn more about the social enterprise, her role, and the advice she has for others.
What does your social enterprise do?
Amano Gardens nurtures outdoor spaces by providing eco-friendly gardening services. We focus on maintaining natural environments through practices like hand-weeding, planting, and using sustainable materials like soil and mulch—all without noisy gas-powered tools. Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that fostering nature creates harmony for communities and individuals by offering living wages to our employees.
When and how did it start?
Our journey began in 2016 when our founder, Patricia Wallinger, saw the incredible potential of creating a non-profit organization that could give a hand while doing things by hand—reflecting the meaning of “Amano” in Spanish. Amano Gardens, a branch of Amano Group, started as a response to the need for nurturing outdoor spaces in a way that respects nature.
At the same time, we aimed to support individuals facing various barriers to entering or staying in the labour market by providing meaningful employment opportunities. With this vision, we set out to make sustainable gardening accessible to all while celebrating the natural beauty of both nature and the people involved.
Who are your main customers and how do they typically find you?
Our main customers include shopping malls, condominiums, and senior homes.
Each has unique needs that align with our mission to nurture both the environment and the well-being of people. For malls, we specialize in caring for indoor plants, creating vibrant, welcoming spaces. Condominiums with garden beds and sustainable values partner with us to maintain their outdoor areas beautifully while taking into account individual preferences of their residents. Senior homes are especially close to our hearts, as we keep their gardens colorful and blooming throughout the seasons, encouraging residents to enjoy walks that enhance their well-being and providing engagement programming like presentations and workshops.
Most of our clients discover us through referrals, word of mouth, and our online presence, drawn by our dedication to eco-friendly practices and the personal touch we bring to every space we care for.
When did you become the executive director?
In April 2021, I was offered a part-time administrative position with Amano Gardens. I quickly fell in love with the trade, drawn to its creative and meaningful nature. As my responsibilities grew, I became increasingly curious about plants and knew I wanted to be more involved. My engineering background sparked new ways of thinking, allowing me to approach sustainable gardening with a unique perspective, blending creativity with problem-solving.
Over time, as our founder, Patricia, prepared to step down to pursue new projects, I was offered the opportunity to step into the Executive Director role, informally at first and officially as of early 2024. It was a pivotal moment in my life, one that not only opened doors for me professionally but also profoundly changed my personal path. Patricia’s guidance and trust in me gave me the confidence to embrace this role fully. Today, I’m proud to continue growing in this field, working toward completing my diploma in horticulture and becoming a certified Horticultural Therapist. This role has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life, allowing me to make an impact on both the environment and the lives of others, including my own.
What does your typical workday look like?
My day usually starts with a close look at the weather—it’s essential to plan ahead so we can provide the best care for both plants and employees. If it’s too sunny, I make sure we schedule extra breaks in the shade, ensure everyone stays hydrated, and double-check that the plants get the attention they need.
From there, the dynamic dance of planning, maintaining, and connecting begins. My work is a mix of operational tasks—like emails, texts, and schedules—and hands-on moments with push mowers, pruners, and garden beds. I also spend time collaborating with the team, overseeing projects, and building relationships with ongoing and potential clients. The variety keeps me on my toes, and the days often fly by in the blink of an eye.
What’s your biggest insight or lesson learned since stepping into the executive director role?
The biggest lesson is simple: it can be done. Whatever the challenge, fear needs to take a back seat while you take the wheel with your hopes and dreams. Cliché? Maybe. Real? Absolutely.
This realization has been transformative—not just for me, but for how I lead. Balancing vision with fostering a supportive and empowering environment has shown me that true leadership is about listening, adapting, and trusting in the collective potential of the team while staying rooted in our core values.
What makes you most proud?
Getting it done. Walking through gardens and seeing people enjoying the view and the flowers is a source of pride that never gets old. I’m also proud of having happy, well-compensated employees who feel valued in their work. The impact Amano Gardens has on our community is what truly fills me with pride—creating meaningful jobs while sustaining the natural beauty of outdoor spaces brings incredible fulfillment.
What keeps you up at night?
Money, right? Financial sustainability is always on my mind, but I try not to see it as a scary monster. Instead, I think of it as an integral part of our overall sustainability. Balancing the needs of our clients, employees, and mission is no small feat. Ensuring Amano Gardens thrives while staying true to our core values often weighs heavily, but it’s a challenge I embrace.
How has your involvement with CSED helped you?
CSED has been an invaluable partner on this journey. Their warm and welcoming nature is genuinely inspiring. They’ve provided us with guidance, support, and connections to like-minded organizations that have strengthened our mission. From refining strategies to expanding services and improving our network, CSED has played a key role in helping Amano Gardens grow and thrive.
What advice do you have for someone who is developing their own social enterprise or social purpose business?
Start with a clear mission that reflects your values. Stay adaptable and prioritize building a supportive network of mentors and collaborators. Most importantly, never lose sight of the impact you want to create.
What’s next for Amano?
GROWTH ! We’re excited to expand our reach, collaborate with more community projects, and explore innovative ways to make sustainable gardening more accessible.
Is there anything else that you’d like to say to readers that you haven’t already said?
Gardening is more than just maintaining outdoor spaces—it’s about creating a sense of connection, balance, and care. We invite everyone to be part of this journey toward nurturing nature in meaningful ways.
