Two Sparrows Greenhouse in Altona officially opened their doors on May 11.
Owner Nicole Wood said she is overwhelmed by the community response and is looking forward to a busy and productive summer.
“Thank you to this beautiful community for embracing us and thank you to my staff,” she said. “Two Sparrows’ success is truly a reflection of all the hours of hard work you have put in. The fact that we’re still smiling and laughing at the end of the day speaks volumes.
“Thank you, also, to my wonderful family for believing in me and supporting me on this crazy ride. For putting up with my long hours away from home in this very busy season. I couldn’t do this without you.”
The celebration included reflections and congratulations from Altona Mayor Harv Schroeder, Municipality of Rhineland Reeve Don Wiebe, Borderland MLA Josh Guenter, and MP for Portage-Lisgar Branden Leslie.
“I believe you’ve worked tirelessly to get to this day, and it’s good to see our young entrepreneurs start new businesses in our community,” Schroeder said. “We appreciate your efforts here, and what you’re doing. I look forward to the wonderful contributions that Two Sparrows Greenhouse will bring to our community.”
Borderland MLA Josh Guenter noted the number of grand opening events he’s already attended in Altona this year, and that he’s excited to see this business join them.
“Altona is growing, literally, with all these plants and people excited to grow their gardens. I wish Nicole all the best in her endeavours here, and I know the best is yet to come. Congratulations on all the hard work and the effort that you, your family and your team have put in.”
The ribbon was cut by Wood, a seasoned nurse turned passionate gardener and entrepreneur,
“Never say never,” she said. “I was never going to be a nurse. I’ve been a nurse for over 16 years. I never imagined myself as a business owner, and yet here I am. Today we celebrate our second season. Part of the vision for Two Sparrows is that it be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
She noted that whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, this is the place to share knowledge. The motto on their sign—”Learning, Sharing and Growing Together”—reflects that vision.
“Last week we hosted a large group from Regional Connections for the English Café evening. And in a couple of weeks, we have a group from the Buffalo Apartments coming for a workshop on creating flower arrangements in pots,” Wood shared. “We are not just growing plants; we are growing a community.”
The one-stop plant and garden shop, located on 2nd St. NE, already enjoyed a huge response from the community when they opened two temporary structures last year, which gave them the positive sign they needed for the expanded journey ahead.
Wood said it was always their plan to expand.
“We knew we had to put up something quick to get our toe into this market that we felt there was a niche for, so the two greenhouses that we operated last year were a quick, economical way to start. And just to get a feel for what the community needs would be. We completed the construction over the winter, and here we are.”
The added height of the newer structure provides a feeling of airiness and space and allows them to offer more varieties.
“We have vegetables and blooms of all kinds, perennials, annuals, baskets, trees and shrubs, and our pricing is competitive,” said Wood.
