Well into her second decade as a horticulturalist, Chantal Tenace has expertise in the magic of gardening. Having owned and operated two well-known garden centres in Melbourne for over 12 years, Chantal has a wealth of specialist knowledge of plants, soils, pest and diseases.  

Her career in horticulture has been somewhat her destiny as her interest in plants all started from her early childhood working in her grandfathers’ vegetable gardens. As a student at Footscray City Secondary College, Chantal enthusiastically chose to study horticulture but not realising her natural potential in this field, went on to study Business at VUT. A major accident in 2001 was a turning point in Chantal’s life that saw her return to study to specialise in horticulture.  Opportunities arose which lead to her opening her own garden centre in Essendon Victoria in 2009 and the establishment of Garden Soirée in 2014. Chantal is an active member and a recognised young leader of the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia (NGIA).

Chantal was awarded the Victorian and National Winner of the Nursery and Garden Industry Australia, Heather Rumsey Young Leader Award 2015. Chantal has regularly been featured in local and national media for her work and awards.

Her next phase professionally is higher industry leadership roles through her gaining a NGIA Leadership Development Scholarship. Studies at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) have been undertaken in 2015 and 2016 as part of the scholarship. This has seen Chantal gain a knowledge and qualification as a digital content producer. The final stage of the scholarship will see Chantal embark on an international study tour in 2017.

Chantal has a passion to promote horticulture as a progressive and long-term career choice.  There is a need to acknowledge, sustain and reward the different generations within the industry and provide appropriate recognition.  

Chantal is a confident public speaker who is passionate about gardening, home and locally grown produce and the importance and benefits that come from gardening and engaging with local community.

To book Chantal for a consultation or your next event contact us on 0402474101 or register your interest HERE.