Francesco Saltarelli, founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design, announced today the launch of Open Garden Montreal, a new community initiative offering free workshops, open office hours, mentorship circles, and a seasonal donation drive focused on improving access to green space in urban environments.

The initiative is rooted in Saltarelli’s own story. Raised in Montreal, his earliest lessons came from his grandfather’s backyard garden. “I learned patience and care by working with my hands in the soil,” Saltarelli has shared. “Those early moments shaped how I see space and how it should serve people.”

Open Garden Montreal aims to make those lessons accessible to others—especially renters, condo owners, young families, and creatives who feel disconnected from nature in dense city settings.

Why This Matters

Urban residents face growing challenges when it comes to green space:

• Over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas, many with limited outdoor access

• Studies show even small green spaces reduce stress and improve mental health

• Nearly 1 in 3 Montreal households live in apartments without private yards

• Urban heat islands can raise city temperatures by up to 5°C without greenery

Saltarelli believes thoughtful design doesn’t require a big budget. “If a space doesn’t improve daily life, it doesn’t belong,” he often says. “Good design should feel human.”

What the Initiative Includes

• Free monthly workshops on balcony gardens, rooftop planting, and low-maintenance greenery

• Open office hours for one-on-one advice on small outdoor spaces

• Mentorship circles for young designers and students interested in landscape work

• A seasonal donation drive providing plants and materials to community housing projects

Participants will receive practical guidance, simple tools, and access to a growing support community. For those with limited time, sessions can be attended individually, and digital summaries will be shared after each event.

How to Join

Residents can sign up online, attend a single session, volunteer, or donate supplies. No prior experience is required.

FAQ

Who is this for? Anyone in Montreal interested in improving their outdoor space or learning about urban greenery.

Is it really free? Yes. All core events and resources are free to the public.

Do I need a garden or yard? No. Many sessions focus on balconies, rooftops, and shared spaces.

Can I participate if I’m busy? Yes. Attend one workshop, join a single office hour, or support the donation drive.

Is this for professionals only? Not at all. The initiative is designed for everyday residents.

Call to Action

Montreal residents are invited to join Open Garden Montreal, attend an upcoming workshop, or contribute to the donation drive and help bring more green space into the city.

To read the full interview, visit the website here.

About Francesco Saltarelli

Francesco Saltarelli is a Montreal-based landscape designer and founder of Saltarelli Outdoor Design. Known for creating elegant, livable outdoor spaces, he specializes in urban backyards, rooftop terraces, and sustainable landscape design adapted to Quebec’s climate. His work blends functionality, nature, and community-driven values.

Contact:

Info@francescosaltarelli.com

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