Get ready to dig in and discover for the gardening season
As the sun begins to shine brighter and flowers start to bloom, it’s clear that spring has finally sprung. And with the arrival of this vibrant season comes exciting news from the Shops of St. Andrews – their beloved Lower Fort Garry Garden Centre is reopening its greenhouse doors on March 30.
The Garden Centre is a hidden gem with an impressive array of plants including trees, herbs, tropical varieties, and more – there’s something for every plant enthusiast to discover.
The full-service garden centre is open all year with all the supplies gardeners need to help their plants thrive. Soil, pots, fertilizers, and seeds are some of the items the centre has to offer.
Elizabeth Swirsky, owner of the Shops of St. Andrews sells trees, herbs, tropical plants, baskets, perennials, annuals and more.
Swirsky also encourages shoppers to visit the main building which features a gift and floral shop and a charming café. All three are open year-round.
In the summer, visitors can have a bite to eat at the licensed Pink’s Ice Cream which serves lunch items and cool treats.
During the fall season, the shop transforms into a Winter Wonderland to bring customers holiday goodies.
Dawn Swirsky, Elizabeth Swirsky’s daughter and manager at the Shops of St. Andrews is excited for the reopening of the Garden Path Café.
The Garden Path Café is a licensed eatery which uses homegrown and local ingredients for their delectable creations.
The Swirskys grow their own vegetables and herbs. They use fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and proudly support local business suppliers for their tea, coffee and baked goods.
“It is our goal for the café to have fresh and unique food ideas,” said Dawn Swirsky. She explained that they make as much food as they can in-house.
The café is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Elizabeth Swirsky advises customers to call the shop at (204) 334-4919 ahead of time as hours may fluctuate.
The Garden Path Café’s menu will change depending on ingredients the shop has. Customers can expect the café’s famous house-baked quiches, scones and seven bean salad to frequently be available.
The Garden Path Café is a great place to meet up with friends. Customers can have a treat and then wander around the shop.
“It is the perfect location for you to dine, shop, and meander,” said Elizabeth Swirsky. Swirsky explained that people often come to the shop to relax. “People say it is their happy place.” Dawn Swirsky added.
Dawn and Elizabeth Swirsky want everyone to feel welcome and know that they can come to the shop at any time.
The Swirsky’s are proud of their 30-year-old family business. “It is a real community feel,” mentioned Dawn Swirsky.
Even the shop’s cat, Sneezy is able to provide customers with a source of comfort. “Everyone loves Sneezy!” said Elizabeth Swirsky. She explained that people often visit the shop to cuddle and hang out with Sneezy for company.
Dawn and Elizabeth Swirsky look forward to the upcoming gardening season and continuing to support their local community.
The Shops of St. Andrews is located at 5607 Hwy. 9 and is open seven days a week.
Record Photos By E Antonio
