‘A boutique shopping experience’

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This article was published 02/05/2023 (1077 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a muddy mess out there at this time of year but with gardening season approaching, it means St. Mary’s Nursery and Garden Centre at 2901 St. Mary’s Rd. is alive with activity, cleaning things up and preparing for a busy time of year.

From the outside one would never imagine the immensity of what they’ll find once inside the 35-year-old business that’s still growing and going strong. The view of the garden centre from the outdoors is deceptive, almost secretly hiding a massive collection of treasures just a seven-minute drive from St. Vital Shopping Centre.

With over 65,000 square feet of display gardens of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and tropical greenhouses, St. Mary’s Nursery and Garden Centre also houses a variety of boutiques showcasing everything from fashion, to home décor, to gourmet foods.

What began as a part-time job and a hobby in 1994 became full-time work and a passion for Carla Hrycyna, now president and co-owner. By 2007 she had acquired the business with her working partner.

“There are so many different aspects about the gardening industry. I love growing plants, even the seasonality of it. We are always changing. There’s an energy that comes with seeing the sunlight through the greenhouses and smelling the earth. Who doesn’t love beautiful flowers?”

As studies have shown, being surrounded with plants of all kinds is good for our health in numerous ways. Plants are natural air purifiers, can enhance our moods, and help reduce stress by creating a more relaxing environment. This was evident even more during the height of the pandemic as customers came around seeking a place of refuge.

“Over the years, because of the way the world has happened, what I appreciate most is creating a place where people can have a peaceful experience, in their happy place,” said Hrycyna. “When customers say they had a great visit, I get goosebumps; I kind of know we’ve done something right. People have an experience to enjoy.”

Joe Laurin De Oliveira and his husband, Claudio, stumbled upon St. Mary’s Nursery about three years ago and have made it their go-to place ever since.

“We were talking away and drove past our usual nursery by accident, and turned left into their parking lot, then thought … let’s see what this is about,” recalled Joe.

“When you walk in the door you first see a little room on the right that is filled with visually interesting home décor items. That is just the beginning of a visually spectacular experience. Then it is room after room of so many different things. More home décor, décor for your yard, indoor and outdoor plants.”

“We love to buy unique items that we don’t see in everyone else’s yards,” added Claudio.

“We have been back again and again,” said Joe, noting how much they appreciate the changing inventory and ambiance with every season, including the fantastic Christmas décor. “I’m always drawn to the kitchen area to see what new kitchen items and spice mixes are on the shelf. I can easily lose myself at St. Mary’s for an hour or two. Equally important to me is the friendly and personal attention from the staff. You don’t find that in many shops anymore.”

The diverse staff of 25 in winter can up to double in the warmer seasons, with 50.

“It’s a wonderful group of people,” said Hrycyna. “It’s not an easy job, honestly, it’s all so labour intensive. You have to be able to love the movement, the amount of exercise. There’s muscle strain and pressure. Gardening is a huge release. During COVID, a lot of people got into gardening. There’s a holistic aspect, it allows you to relax, gives you harmony and activity, whether done solo or with friends.

“We are a boutique shopping experience. What I truly love about it is dabbling in it. Every turn is an exploration into new categories. We do creative design and displays, you can envision the seasons, the transitions from the garden pumpkin walk in the fall, Christmas, etc.”

It’s a destination, enjoyed both by the customers and by Juniper, Bella and Pepper, the three resident cats who love to doze among the plants, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

The garden centre stocks everything you could ever need to decorate a yard. There’s an increasing interest in fountains, especially if you don’t want the labour of a pond, according to Hrycyna. To give focus to a yard, the outdoor statuary comprises an elaborate inventory of wood, metal and concrete characters, including playful gnomes, Chinese warriors, and Buddha heads in every size to create a serenity garden. There are garden herons, cranes and butterflies and a wide array of chimes and other decorative items for shade gardens, hot tropical garden spaces, or as a centrepiece for any garden.

Some of the customers have been coming in for almost 30 years, from all over Winnipeg as well as rural communities including Winkler, Steinbach and St. Adolphe, bringing with them their newest family members to continue the family tradition.

The garden centre is open seven days a week with extended weekday hours throughout the gardening season. Call (204) 255-7353 for more information or check out the website stmarysnurseryandgardencentre.ca.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca