Wow! Finally got a warm day to go garden shopping only to discover that many of the shops do not open till the first week in May. It is so cold that I guess there isn’t much point but that did not stop Shauna and Lori and me. We hit many of the garden centres in the south end of the city that were open already, and we had the luxury of seeing the hot new stuff at every place we visited. Of course, we bought plants – who can resist? They will be living in the garage for a while!
Shlemerdine, Pattersons, T & T, on Roblin, LaCoste, St. Mary’s and Ron Paul on the former St. Mary’s strip were on our list. Guess what we bought at Ron Paul? LISIANTHUS! Every colour!
Lori also found a dozen canna for her new garden boxes, and Shauna bought a lot of perennials because she is still building her garden.
In the next couple of weeks, we will venture out again, this time to the country. There are so many wonderful garden centres within an easy drive of Winnipeg. And it pays to price shop. Not all centres charge the same. On our tour, the most reasonable was Ron Paul, where Ray Dubois and his wife Jeanne plant from seed!
In the country, Our Farm is always at the top of the list. Shae Doherty and his family grow plants I can’t get anywhere also and he is also reasonable, price wise. If you are looking for succulents, they are Shea’s specialty.
Let me also give a special mention to LeClerc just off Highway #1 on the way to Headingley. Their begonias and petunias a superb.
Have a wonderful spring, everyone. And remember, balcony gardening can be great fun, too!
By Dorothy Dobbie
First appeared in May 2026 issue