It's April and is currently 25 degrees with not a cloud in the sky. Seems like summer has come early this year in the Alberni Valley, and with the warm weather comes one of my most favorite times of the year, gardening season. There is just something so calming about being outside, listening to the birds, hands in the dirt and planting some plants! With the last frost being something of the past, now is the perfect time to start your garden or flower baskets. Being a smaller community, you are probably wondering where can we go to fill our yards with luscious greenery and colorful flowers? Good thing, I have got the info you are looking for.
There are 2 main locally owned and operated establishments here in the Alberni Valley to get all your lovely plants and gardening supplies from this year: Naesgaard’s Farm & Market and Colyn’s Nursery.
Naesgaard’s Farm & Market
Located on River Road, locally owned and operated, Naesgaard’s Farm & Market is a unique, must see shop. It is one of those shopping experiences where it does not matter how many times you walk around the store, you find something new each time. Naesgaard’s is known for 4 main attractions, The “Pot” shop, the Boutique, The Farm Market and The Garden Centre.
Firstly, the “Pot” shop is not what your thinking, it is a wide selection of durable clay pots with many colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes, and interestingly enough Vancouver Islands original outlet! Along with many pots, Naesgaards offers a large selection of garden ornaments that come from around the island.
The Boutique is a rustic little shop filled with a lovely variety of different clothing, gifts, jewelry, and nik naks – side note: I know we do not want to talk about Christmas because summer just got here, but Naesgaards puts on a fabulous Christmas Tree Display every year around the Holidays with countless trees all with different themes. It is truly a sight to see, you would not want to miss it, but don’t worry, I’ll remind you and keep you updated with that when the time comes.
Moving along to the Farm Market, where you can load up on all the fruits and veggies you need which are picked fresh from their fields or brought in by local suppliers – you will have to try a bag of their famous peas! I do not know if they are actually famous, but they’re famous in my family that’s for sure!
Lastly, lets talk about the garden centre. I could spend all day wondering up and down the tables of flowers, filling my basket with all the different greenery and annuals for my flowerpots. Not only do they have tables of flowers, but they also offer premade baskets, plenty of shrubs, veggie starters and fruit trees.
Overall, Naesgaards Farm & Market has something for everyone, even if you are not much of a gardener you must check it out!
Colyn’s Nursery
Colyn’s Nursery, locally owned and operated has been nested and serving the Alberni Valley for over 50 years. Not only is Colyn’s a beautiful garden centre but also a florist shop. They offer a wide selection of shrubs, trees, and all your flowering needs. They have beautiful premade baskets that would make an awesome Mothers Day gift or would add a great pop of color to your front porch. Colyn’s is a gardener’s dream, and their team offer so much knowledge.
Both establishments are excellent for all your gardening needs, I know I will be hitting up both this weekend to get all my supplies, you should to!