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The Garden of Dreams

Imagine my yard without dandelions.  Almost impossible.  Last week they were out in full force; sweet fuzzy buttons of sunshine waiting to be plucked by little hands.  Those blossoms by now have turned to seed and are waiting even more so to be blown away with the wind.   I know there are those of us who curse them and will attempt anything to rid them for good but there are a select few of us who embrace them too.  I am one of those people.  Two quick facts about dandelions that I’ve learned in the past year: bears love them and every part of the plant, from the root to the blossom, is completely edible either raw or cooked and is loaded with vitamins and nutrients.  

But I digress.  My Grandpa Joe was an avid lover of flowers and I always think of him when I see lilies; especially orange ones.  His love for flowers made its way to me and I deeply enjoy gardening when I can although my hunting and firearm obsession has definitely consumed most of my time lately.  Last week, before the dandies caught my eye, I went on an adventure with my mom and my kids.  We found ourselves across the river and a short drive east of the city.  Here we found a magical little place nestled in the forest – the Garden of Dreams Greenhouses.  Truly a beautiful site and rest assured there were no signs of a dandelion!  The Garden of Dreams is truly a feast for the senses – luscious and colourful blooms combine with fresh floral and green notes which make for a heavenly escape just a hop, skip, and jump from Prince Albert.  I had the opportunity to have a quick chat with the owner, Marilyn Boyer, as I wanted to learn a bit more about this secret gem. 

Ms. Boyer opened the greenhouse to the public back in 2008 and has grown the business since then.  Her family helps out where they can and support her entrepreneurial spirit.  Marilyn’s love of plants is to be admired – she has a huge selection of bedding plants and vegetables, potted plants, and succulents.  The plants are well maintained and thriving well in our climate and, make no mistake, there is a lot of thought and effort that go into getting these thriving plants to this point.  She begins planning for every new season in October of the previous year when she orders what she needs.  She brings in numerous types of annuals and perennials which are hardy to this zone (3a) and Marilyn confirmed that she only brings in plants that she knows will be successful here.  She stocks a variety of vegetables and herbs as well as well as some heirloom tomato and cucumber plants which do very well.  Marilyn and her family pride themselves on great quality plants in the greenhouses which are also kept neat and tidy.  

By February of each year the work of growing begins.  Marilyn orders from all over the country including Saskatoon and Edmonton and as far as British Columbia and New Brunswick.  All plants are started and organized; as time goes on and they grow larger and develop bigger blooms.  Planters and hanging pots are filled.  They are truly beautiful and the time and effort devoted to them is obvious.  Her love of plants not only fills the greenhouse but Ms. Boyer has opened up her knowledge to the community.  She offers her expertise to those who are looking for guidance when designing their own flower beds – which plants work together and in which areas of the yard depending on sunlight availability and the dimensions of the area to work with.  She also offers small gatherings for friends/co-workers who are looking for something different to do; Marilyn will help them pick out a number of plants and work with them to design their own planters – what a wonderfully engaging activity for friends and family. 

This season marks Marilyn’s 12th year operating the greenhouse where many people gather to enjoy all the beauty that nature offers us from season to season.  I’d have to say that our trip to the greenhouse was truly a special memory for my family and I encourage all the outdoor and plant lovers to take a little drive out there where the excellent staff can help you make the most of your own little plot of land.  Even if you’re not an outdoors or plant person, take a chance and pick up a plant or two to start out with.  You will not find a dandelion at Marilyn’s place but you will find a Garden of Dreams that will do your heart and soul wonders.

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Wednesday March 13, 2024