Ever wonder if your doctor or specialist follows their own advice? Sunnybrook experts get candid with the approaches they take in their personal lives.
Rohan is an Accredited Organic Land Care Practitioner and Team Leader of Sunnybrook’s Grounds Department.
Were you a dig in the dirt and find bugs kind of kid?
That was me, but I also learned to love the outdoors from my family. I grew up in Jamaica, and my family was involved in farming there. We had a sugar farm, livestock as well as egg and honey production. My home was separate from the farm, but from a really young age, I would go there before school every day to milk the cows and deliver milk. After school, I had to wash the bottles and get them ready for the next day before I could play with my friends. By the age of 12, I was driving a tractor. So naturally, I gravitated to farm school and got a degree in agriculture.
It’s interesting that you ended up working at a hospital.
I came to Canada in 1991, started my own landscaping business and eventually saw an opportunity at Sunnybrook. I truly believe that our landscapes enhance healing, so coming here was a chance to bridge everything and bring it to life.
You have a namesake garden at the hospital. How does it feel to see people using it?
Really good! When people enjoy our grounds, I feel they are benefiting from restorative healing because nature helps us physically and mentally.
Do you think many people know that the Rohan Harrison Garden was part of your reward for participating in the show ‘Undercover Boss’ a few years ago?
No, not at all. Someone actually told me I was arrogant for putting my name on a garden. I took a breath and explained the situation. I feel the weight of seeing my name there because I’m a behind-the-scenes person. I’d rather be in the background doing than be seen.
What does your garden at home look like?
After I leave Sunnybrook, the place I spend the most time is my backyard. It’s a respite from my daily challenges. My garden has different areas, including green space for entertaining, a water feature and vegetables. Some of my favourite things to grow are celery and kale and I put them into my daily green juice. I also have a labyrinth in my yard. I walk through it barefoot and it helps me recharge physically, mentally and spiritually.
Have you ever killed a plant? Be honest.
For some reason, I can’t grow indoor plants. My outdoor garden looks good, but when I go inside I think, what’s happening? I think it’s just a lack of care because I spend so much time outdoors.
Not everyone has a green thumb. What can be done?
There are lots of resources out there, so use them. Or ask me!
Do a lot of people already do that?
Oh yes. The two most common questions I get are how to keep grass green, and how to get rid of weeds. I really don’t mind, though, because I see education and development as part of my role. Helping people enjoy nature is really important.
