Garden centre in Cranberry neighbourhood a refuge for many

Previous to being a gardener’s dream, with five growing houses producing more than a quarter million perennials and annuals every year, Springtime Garden Centre was a rock quarry.

Most of the huge stones seen around places such as the sea walk in Westview came from the old quarry in Cranberry. Springtime backs onto a grassy, forested hill like landscape with a nature trail used by a local bear.

Since 1996, the space has been home to the garden centre and a place for longtime local residents to enjoy and a surprise to many newcomers to the qathet region. Four times a year local crafters and artisans are invited to share their talents and wares around the grounds, and for the public to come and enjoy the space.

The garden centre is hosting a summer kick-off market on Saturday, June 17, with more than 16 vendors already signed up.

“This is one of our busiest times of year,” said garden centre manager Liz Quigley. “We have lots of colour with all our perennial flowers and plants, and people are happy to be here.”

Seasoned gardeners along with those who may not have a green thumb are welcome to ask those working at the garden centre for plant recommendations and even tips on garden design.

Chickens and peacocks run freely on the grounds and folks visiting are welcome to feed them seed provided by Springtime.

“It’s almost always a happy place, and that’s what I like about it,” said Quigley. “I used to be a nurse and have seen that side of the spectrum and now I’m on this side and it’s a happier environment.”

“We will have food and beverage vendors as well as artisans on Saturday,” said Quigley. “We see the market as community building, and a way to expose people to the store, and what we offer; there are a surprising number of new people in town who don’t know us.” 

The summer market runs from 11 am to 3 pm at 5300 Yukon Avenue.

Springtime also has a garden centre on Texada Island that has become a vital resource for that community, as animal feed is also provided along with the usual plants and flowers.