Hi. We are a family owned social-enterprise based in Aylmer, Quebec, focused on growing native plants, shrubs and trees locally and sustainably from seed. Every plant we sell helps fund local biodiversity projects, school gardens, tiny urban forests, and the work of Canopée Localeaf, our non-profit wing.
Localeaf was born from a desire to change our lifestyle and concentrate on the things in life that bring us joy, while spending more time as a family. We have passed on this passion to our kids, who take an active role and central role in our little business.
Our Family ‘Ecosystem’
Ioana | The Ideator & Head Grower
I’m the one with the dirty hands and the forest in my lungs. I also have crazy ideas that my family help bring to life. My focus is learning, everything related to seeds, and exploring connections between biodiversity, wildlife, and human wellness.
Colin | The Engineer & Mr. Rock
When I dream up ideas, Colin builds them. He is the logic behind my ideas, and the engineer who solves the creative problems I create for us. He keeps the nursery standing, and moves the heavy rocks and other things in my way.
Noa | The Scientist
Noa studied STEM, and now science, and is fascinated by the intersection of biology and wellness. She is the driving force behind our native plant salves and natural products, interested in how native plants natural ingredients interact to create healing textures and scents.
Alex | The Entrepreneur
At a young age, Alex discovered he can use a rake to solve his love for expensive things. Today, he has a loyal and steady customer base of yard cleanups and leaf composting, while continuing to improve his gardening knowledge and youth leadership skills through PSA’s Acti-Leadership program. He’s developing an eye for landscape architecture, and was instrumental in helping me design and create our first Miyawaki style tiny forest.
Remi | The Junior Ranger
Our youngest habitat builder, Remi “helped” us create nearly every pollinator garden through the Butterflyway Aylmer project last year. She is so dedicated to helping pollinators that she earned a (completely unofficial but well-deserved) “Junior Ranger” designation from the David Suzuki Foundation, which came with a t-shirt she proudly wears everywhere she can. She’s the youngest voice speaking for native bees, and the vision for our “secret garden” project.
