Meet Joanne "Jo" Young
Nearly Five Decades of Bringing Calgary Spaces to Life
Joanne “Jo” Young is the founder of Greenery Office Interiors Ltd. and a pioneer in Calgary’s interior landscaping industry. Since starting Greenery in 1977, she has built a business rooted in excellent customer service, creative planting design and a belief in the value of bringing nature indoors. Her work has helped transform offices, hotels and public spaces into welcoming environments where plants are an integral part of the experience. From the company’s early beginnings to internationally recognized living walls and landmark indoor gardens, Jo has combined entrepreneurial determination with a love of plants and a commitment to lasting relationships. Nearly five decades later, she continues to share her experience, support her industry and inspire new possibilities for greener spaces.
Raised in Burlington, Ontario, Jo spent five years teaching elementary school before heading west to Calgary in search of new opportunities. There, she discovered interior landscaping almost by chance, just as the industry was beginning to take root in the city. What began as an unexpected career change became a lifelong pursuit. Jo launched Greenery as a one-woman business, combining her willingness to learn with a strong commitment to looking after customers. That focus helped Greenery establish itself in Calgary and laid the foundation for decades of growth.
Growing a Business Through Service and Trust
For Jo, building Greenery has always meant more than choosing beautiful plants. It has meant understanding each client’s space, delivering thoughtful work and providing the ongoing care that keeps an installation thriving.
With creative marketing and a reputation built on service, Jo helped grow Greenery into an established name in Calgary’s commercial interiorscaping community. As the industry evolved, the company’s work expanded to include ambitious indoor gardens and living walls that make nature a defining feature of a building.
A Recognized Entrepreneur and Industry Voice
In 1999, Jo was named a Western Regional winner in the Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year awards, recognizing her business achievements and reputation in the community.
Her contributions extend beyond Greenery. Over the years, she has been invited to participate in industry forums, contribute to publications, judge competitions and speak to professional audiences. Through these opportunities, she shares the practical experience gained from building a business and helping an emerging industry mature.
As Greenery approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, Jo’s career reflects nearly five decades of entrepreneurship, creativity and commitment to her community.
Her legacy can be seen in the spaces Greenery cares for, the relationships she has built and the knowledge she shares. From a chance introduction to interiorscaping in the 1970s to internationally recognized projects, Jo has helped shape how Calgary brings nature indoors.
Discover Greenery’s Work
Explore the projects, people and ideas behind Greenery Office Interiors, and discover what thoughtful interior landscaping could bring to your space.