January 13, 2026
From office to outdoors
Jim Edmonds' years of dedication to the landscape industry
By Gail Pope
LO Membership Admin Assistant
When Jim Edmonds started his professional career, it had nothing to do with the outdoors. Every day, like clockwork, Edmonds would take the long commute from Burlington, Ont., to his office job in downtown Toronto. He quickly realized that working as a sales manager was not fulfilling him in the way he had hoped. Looking for a career change, an opportunity came knocking at just the right time.
One evening, Edmonds was chatting with a neighbour and close friend who happened to own a landscaping company. “I jokingly said to him, ‘If you ever need a partner, let me know,’” Edmonds recalled. Little did he know that same neighbour would knock on his door a few weeks later asking if he would like to buy the business. After consulting his wife and future business partner, Fiona Edmonds, the couple became the proud owners of The Gardener Landscaping in 2004.
While his professional career didn't initially start in landscaping, Edmonds' ties to the industry started early in life. One of his first summer jobs involved landscaping for a condo complex, painting fences, cutting grass and doing anything else that needed to be done. It was during this early experience that he quickly fell in love with the industry.
“I find it so much more gratifying when you can build, create or maintain something, and then look at it with a sense of pride,” he said.
Edmonds understood he would need proper education on different practices in the industry to become the best in the business. Seeking an institution that would provide this education, he found Landscape Ontario (LO).
“I value continual learning, so I have probably taken over 100 courses at LO,” Edmonds said. “Everything from the basics of snow removal to maintenance, not only to expand the business but to continue to grow our skills.”
The seminars not only provided important education, but also introduced Edmonds to other members of the LO community. “I have been able to learn so much from listening to other members' experiences,” he said. “It’s such a wonderful community. Even though we are technically competitors, I have always felt the support and sense of camaraderie.”
This strong sense of community made Edmonds interested in getting more involved, and in 2018, he was invited to join the Golden Horseshoe Chapter board by another member and longtime friend. “I was excited for this opportunity, since it is a completely volunteer position,” Edmonds said. “It was another way I could give back to the industry after it has done so much for me.”
Edmonds' involvement didn't stop there; it blossomed, leading him to his current role as chapter president where he oversees and helps plan events for over 1,500 members.
The board takes great pride in organizing a variety of events throughout the year, kicking off the season each March with the "Gear Up For Spring" event. This year, the chapter’s annual summer golf tournament was a complete sellout with 130 golfers. And each September, the chapter's beloved chicken roast is a fun-filled family event designed to give back to the chapter members.
As chapter president, Edmonds is always striving to find new ways to improve those popular events while also introducing new events, such as a Touch-a-Truck. “Our exhibitors generously bring their equipment and donate their time, making it a fantastic opportunity to give back and ignite excitement in the younger generation for everything from massive excavators and cranes to lawn-cutting equipment,” he said.
This passion for making a difference and giving back to the industry continues to motivate Edmonds in his daily work. Now in the later years of owning his business, his passion lies in teaching and training the next generation of landscapers.
For Edmonds, transparency and pride in his business’s work are key. "We're not going to hide behind anything," he stated, emphasizing the importance of his team's performance. He firmly believes that running a business means ensuring everyone feels good and proud of their contributions. "I was always taught that whatever you do, just be the best at it."
He thrives on receiving reviews and appreciative emails about his crew's work. Knowing his team has treated clients' properties with respect and provided outstanding service is deeply gratifying.
This dedication has earned the company multiple awards, including Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence in two residential landscape categories in 2021.
Beyond leading a successful business and serving as Golden Horseshoe chapter president, Edmonds enjoys a variety of activities. "Being outside is a common theme in my life, both for work and personally," he shared. "I love golfing and spending time with my family at the cottage. Anything to be in nature."