Montreal flower farm flourishing jobs for adults with intellectual disabilities
Posted June 16, 2026 3:34 pm.
Last Updated June 16, 2026 5:27 pm.
Flowers aren’t the only thing flourishing at Posy Ferme Florale in Montreal’s Verdun.
This urban cut-flower and green care farm is also creating job opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.
“We are giving skill and vocational training and employment and, most importantly, a sense of belonging and community to adults with intellectual disabilities who have aged out of the school system and are looking to find their own place in our community,” said Lucie Wade, founder of Posy Ferme Florale.
From bouquets to flowers for events like weddings and birthdays, gardening was always part of Wade’s life – through her grandmother and mother – but she took a few career paths, like being a marine biologist and a medical ethicist, before renting the space at NGO Grand Potager.
Her ultimate inspiration for starting Posy, though, was her older brother, Harris.
“I have a brother who has an intellectual disability; he’s my older brother,” explained Wade. “I have always seen him exist in the world and see how beautiful his interactions with people could be and also how heartbreaking his experience could be when people don’t meet him with the same grace and openness that he always brings to the conversation.”
“I sell flowers, I water plants,” explained Harris on a FaceTime call with his sister since he lives in Ontario.
A pilot project at their parent’s home grew into launching their farm and Fleurish program last year, and they hope it keeps blooming.
“The opportunity to work with their hands and be outdoors and you learn independence; you learn how to be self-sufficient,” said Elana Warshawsky, an occupational therapy student helping out at the farm.
“Making new friends,” said Jessica Rawding, one of Posy’s employees, on her favourite part of working at the farm.
“It’s relaxing,” added Jasmine Shwec, who is interning with the team.
Montrealers can order the local flowers for events through their online form, sign up for their bouquet bi-weekly subscription, or even stop by every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at their farm stand all summer, located at 7000 Boul. LaSalle.
“It’s a very positive place to be,” said Wade. “It’s a great opportunity.”
To read more about stories like this, you can head to the Inspirations Newspaper website.
