As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s time to welcome a burst of colour into our lives with the blooming of flowers. In East Selkirk, Searle Greenhouses’ Prairie Garden Centre (a.k.a. Searle’s) is kicking off the season early this year.
Searle’s opened its doors for another season on March 18, two weeks earlier than the garden centre’s typical opening date.
The greenhouse is owned and operated by the Smith Family of East Selkirk. Brothers Lee and Mike Smith have been busy through the winter months, anticipating the early opening of their once-hobby farm-turned-flourishing greenhouse haven.
The small hobby farm sprouted in the late 90’s by Smith’s grandmother. It started off as a tiny supplier for the Zellers company.
In 2020, the Smiths expanded the greenhouse to meet gardener demand. The greenhouse can supply year-round heat, allowing the Smiths to grow during the winter months.
Smith said that the response to the early opening was very positive.
“Avid gardeners want to get things started.”
Now open until December, Searle’s has undergone renovations to enhance customer experience by opening up their till area and, widening the aisles and accommodate the influx of gardening enthusiasts seeking to bring life to their yards.
From seeds to pots, soil, and tools, every essential is readily available under one roof to kickstart your dream garden.
“We have whatever you need to get your garden started,” said Smith.
Annual and perennial flowers are expected to arrive at the greenhouse this week. Searle’s pots new perennials each spring and generally sell out by the garden centre’s seasonal closure.
Searle’s tropical plants are also flourishing this time of year. Floor plants, different tropicals and succulents are some of the varieties the garden centre offers.
For the special times of year, seasonal plants such as Easter lilies and poinsettias are available for purchase.
It is Smith’s goal to welcome any gardener.
“We want to build cliental and community,” said Smith.
The garden centre caters to the needs of any level of gardener.
Smith offered some tips to new gardeners.
“Start simple and find flowers you like and strike a chord with you.”
He encourages newbies to experiment with different plants and get dirty and asks his staff for help.
“Our knowledgeable staff will point you in the right direction to start you off on your simple garden,” he added.
Lee Smith has been around plants his entire life. Beginning with filling pots at 14 years old, his gardening knowledge expanded as he continued to work with plants throughout his life.
Smith’s favourite thing about gardening is seeing others excited about gardening.
“The enthusiasm people have amazes me,” said Smith.
Smith added that gardening is supposed to be fun. People come to visit the greenhouse to boost their mood.
“The scent of the flowers and the humidity make people happy,” he added.
Searle Greenhouses’ Prairie Garden Centre is at 345 Old Henderson Hwy. in East Selkirk. Staff are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday to assist with anyone’s gardening needs.
Searle’s is available on Instagram and Facebook and by email at prairiegardencentre@gmail.com for contact. humidity make people happy,” he added.
Record Photos by E Antonio
