Plants your furry friends should avoid eating
With the warmer weather coming, our favourite furry companions are going to be spending more time outside. However, with spring comes the blooming of various plants that could be harmful to household pets.
Some plants are obvious like poison ivy or marijuana, but others aren’t so obvious, like green potatoes, tomatoes, and rhubarb leaves.
If your pet has ingested any toxic plant, it is critical to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, intense drooling, sores in the mouth, intense pawing at the mouth, and swelling of the lips and/or tongue. More serious symptoms include tremors, shaking, seizures, and lethargy.
Some of the plants to avoid when your furry
friends venture outside, or houseplants to avoid keeping, include common flowers: tulips, daisies, daffodils, lilies, hydrangeas, peonies, hyacinth, azaleas, crocuses, morning glories, amaryllis, delphiniums, poinsettas, periwinkles, angel trumpets, leather flowers, ivy, Chinese lantern plants, gladiolus, and lupines.
Weeds: wolf’s bane, milkweed, poison oak, poison ivy, nightshade, foxglove, hemlock, St. John’s-wort, lily of the valley, castor beans, star of Bethlehem, rhododendrons, mistletoe, poke weed, and rosary peas. House plants: aloe
plants, caladiums, dumb cane, elephant ears, pothos, asparagus, fern, and philodendron.
Trees and bushes: black locust, arrowhead, mayday tree, eucalyptus, burning bush, holly, umbrella tree, wisteria, yew, horse chestnut, Jerusalem cherries bush, and snake berry bush.
Heidi Reist Staff Reporter
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Lambing season is in full swing
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Spring has arrived with new life and long days at Spirit N Ewe Farm, where owners Stacey and Dave Gray are deep into one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year—lambing season.
Having raised Katahdin sheep for about ten years, the Grays bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their operation. That knowledge is especially valuable during lambing season, when round-the-clock care and close monitoring are essential.
The farm is located in St. Michaels and is currently a nursery to around 50 healthy lambs, with the number expected to climb as 11 more ewes are due to give birth in the coming days.
For the Grays, this time of year means early mornings, late nights, and constant attention as they ensure both ewes and lambs are thriving.
“It’s a busy season, but it’s also incredibly special,” they said. “There’s nothing quite like seeing those new lambs up on their feet for the first time.”
Among this year’s arrivals were two sets of triplets—an exciting and somewhat rare occurrence that brought extra joy to the farm.
However, as is sometimes the reality in farming, there was also heartbreak, as one of the lambs did not survive.
“Losing even one is tough,” they shared. “But we focus on giving the rest the best care possible and making sure they stay strong and healthy.”
Adding to the uniqueness of Spirit N Ewe Farm, the Grays also operate a metaphysical shop and host workshops on-site, creating a welcoming space that blends agriculture with learning and personal exploration.
Visitors not only get a glimpse into farm life, but can also take part in experiences that connect
community, wellness, and rural living. Despite the challenges, the barn is full of energy, with lambs bounding around and staying close to their mothers. Each new arrival marks another step forward in the season, keeping the Grays busy
but grateful. As lambing continues, Spirit N Ewe Farm remains a place of both hard work and hope, where every new life is a reminder of the resilience and rewards that come with farm living.
Remaining few will be sold prior to year end - 2026. This will end John and Cathie Chomiak Enterprise.
A set of lamb triplets recently born at Spirit N Ewe farm in St. Michael. Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
Leslie Cholowsky
The Forestburg Garden Center is entering its second year of operations since the Freadrich family took it over, and it will be their first year operating from start to finish.
When the opportunity to purchase the greenhouse came from the previous owners, the Forsters, Dennis Freadrich says he felt it was something the whole family should do.
They already farm the land around the acreage that had the greenhouse, and the greenhouse is located on the site where his dad, Emil moved to when he was just three in 1916.
Freadrich says his brother Les, and his wife Janice, operated Sunrich Greenhouse there, too, where they grew lilies that were famous
world-wide.
And his brother Herman and wife Roseanne operated Country Lane Greenhouse, across the road, who grew roses for wholesale.
Now his brothers have been retired over a decade, and here he is, with wife Donna, son Drew and his wife Andrea, just starting out in the greenhouse business.
Everyone says running the greenhouse is really a team effort. “Everyone has a job, and more importantly, everyone has a voice.”
“It’s a lot of fun learning, too,” says Andrea Freadrich. The family says, for Dennis and Donna, it’s a retirement project, for Drew and Andrea, something they love to do.
“For now, we’re not putting a lot of pressure on ourselves, we’re giving ourselves
some learning time.”
This year, patrons should expect to see some unique plant combinations in hanging baskets and containers, and also some new plants.
“We really have a wide vari-
ety of plants this season.
“We’re also open to custom colour plantings, if someone wants a particular colour,” Donna and Andrea say.
Continued on Page 28
The crew at Forestburg Garden Center, with Dennis and Donna Freadrich, and Drew and Andrea Freadrich at its core, is really enjoying working in the greenhouse this spring. Above, from left: Dennis Freadrich, Drew Freadrich, Ellie Freadrich, Andrea and Noah Freadrich, Sherilyn Grovet, Darcy Steinwand, Gordy Tustin and Willow (the dog). Front, seated: Sarah Bownes and Donna Freadrich.
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Alberta creates new ‘Alberta Whisky’ designation
Leslie Cholowsky
At an exclusive Rural Roundtable discussion, Ministers Dale Nally, Andrew Boitchenko, and RJ Sigurdson met with rural media to discuss the new Alberta Whisky designation.
Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, says that the new designation, which he says comes from industry, would make Alberta Whisky on par with Kentucky Bourbon and Scotch Whisky from Scotland.
The Province is looking at legislation to give Alberta Whisky specific criteria, which include using Alberta water and grains from local farms.
Nally says it’s entirely voluntary, but he’s hoping that Alberta’s distillers will take advantage of the new designation. “At the core, this is about Albertans. It’s about the farmers that grow the grain, the distillers taking a chance on an idea, and the small businesses creating jobs in communities across Alberta,” he says.
Tourism Minister Boitchenko says that there’s also a big opportunity for offshoot whisky tourism, pointing at similar tours in Kentucky.
“A ‘whiskey trail’ would help us reach our goal of $25 billion in annual spending by 2035, by driving new visitors and dollars.”
He says that all starts with the new designation, that will create brand power, and which he hopes will mimic the experiences in Scotland
and Kentucky where tours of local distilleries drive visitors to rural communities to build rural tourism.
Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson says, “Of course, we grow the best grain in the world, full stop. And that’s not by accident, it’s the result of generations of hard work, innovation, and care put in by farmers in this province.
“The quality we’re known for, whether it’s barley or wheat, it starts in the fields and starts with our farmers. And the world actually knows this already. Alberta grain is in demand globally. It’s used to make some of the finest whiskey out there, including Irish whiskey from Ireland or Scotch whiskey from Scotland.”
He says the new Alberta Whisky Act puts farmers front and centre “where they belong.”
“It’s about making sure that when people see Alberta Whiskey, they know it stands for quality and the world-class ingredients that are grown right here at home.”
Nally says because this new designation comes from Industry, there’s no red tape involved.
He mentioned that having toured distilleries in Kentucky, there called the “Bourbon Trail,” he was surprised at how the tour had revitalized small towns across that state. He noted that it had created upwards of 23,000 jobs in Kentucky, and that tourists who took the tour spent between $600-$1,400 on average.
“In fact, the Kentucky
Bourbon Trail welcomes 2.7 million visitors, and generates over $9 billion.
“An Alberta Whisky Trail would connect distillers outside of large cities.” Boitchenko says he’s already seeing interest from large tour operators.
“Of course, we’re seeing real momentum in our whiskey industry, with more distillers choosing Alberta because of the inputs that we have here in our province,” added Sigurdson.
He added, “And when that industry grows, it creates more demand for our grain, which means an incredible opportunity for our farmers and our rural communities.
“At the end of the day, this is about backing Alberta agriculture, supporting local producers, and continuing to build a reputation that’s already respected around the world. Because, I’ll say it, whether it’s beef, wheat, Canola or whiskey, Alberta does it best.
“So I want to thank Minister Nally, for putting this legislation through.
“I want to thank our distillers and our farmers and ranchers, our agencies, boards, and commissions, that had a lot of input into this. I think it’s going to be an incredible benefit for the province.”
Nally reiterated, “It was industry that wanted this. And, you know, we have an incredible industry in this province that has won gold medals on the world stage.
“Alberta Distillers Limited won a gold medal a few years ago, and then Eau Claire,
more recently, Grain Henge, won last year for Best Rye Whiskey in the world.
“And despite all of that, we are still the best-kept secret in the whiskey industry. So the purpose of the Alberta Whiskey Act is to help distinguish Alberta whiskey, to help separate it, and to tell the world about the amazing product that we have.”
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Strychnine approved to control gopher crop damage
BY JOHN MATHER
While Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has approved the use of a two per strychnine solution for gopher control in fields, Lamont Agricultural Fieldman Terry Eleniak said it may come too late for this year.
Under the Pest Control Products Act, the Government of Canada is authorizing an Emergency Registration to Alberta and Saskatchewan to register strychnine until November 2027.
“Producers will have to take either an online course or a town hall session to be certified in the strychnine’s usage, and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is still working on developing the courses and hiring trainers,” he said.
In addition, he added, producers will have to apply for the product through municipalities, their agricultural fieldman, or municipal staffers who are trained and certified in the product’s use.
The federal government banned the use of strychnine to control gophers in 2020, and tracking stats over the past few years has shown increased damages to crops from the Richardson ground squirrels.
After much lobbying by rural MPs, the federal government authorized a time-limited and controlled emergency use of strychnine to try and stem the damage from this issue. Alberta and Saskatchewan submitted a revised, joint emergency-use request to
Health Canada following a rejection earlier this year.
“We heard concerns from farmers and ranchers across the prairies and successfully advocated on their behalf for the federal government to reverse its decision,” said R J. Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “This decision means that many prairie farmers will have another tool back in their toolbox for gopher control.”
Eleniak said the products come in two litre bottles of a two per cent solution. It would be mixed with seed and the formed paste would be rolled into balls and certified applicators would spoon it into gopher holes.
The gophers feed on this and die.
But, he added, if the program is implemented after the growing season is underway, gophers would eat the emergent crops rather than the strychnine product which would severely hamper the effectiveness of the program.
He added the initial strychnine is obtained from Asia and then is developed into the two per cent solution by chemists in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
He wasn’t sure if there is a large amount of the product available right now or if supply chain issues world wide could also affect the implementation of any application program once all necessary permitting had been acquired by producers.
Watch for wildlife on roadways this spring
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The 2025 Alberta roadkill numbers were released by the Government of Alberta in early March and more than 7,400 collisions involving animals were reported in the province last year, excluding national parks. This is the highest number ever recorded in one year by the Alberta Wildlife Watch (AWW) program and is about 13 per cent higher than 2024.
The many different species who met their demise on Alberta highways included 102 badgers, 34 black bears, 26 beavers, one caribou, 67 domestic dogs and 215 cats, two cougars, 755 coyotes, 4,118 mule and whitetailed deer, 271 birds, 138 elk, 156 foxes, six gophers, 12 grouse, 11 livestock animals,four lynxes, 470 moose, 10 muskrats, 264 porcupines, 23 pronghorns and antelopes, 166 rabbits and hares, 89 raccoons, 21 bighorn sheep, 182 skunks, and 246 snakes. There was one report of a wolf, two woodchucks or marmots, and two weasels.
However, the Miistakis Institute, a Calgary-based research organization, suggests that the number of animals killed in motor vehicle collisions is likely higher than what the AWW is able to report.
“Usually [the province] reports on carcasses that are found on the highway right away, but a lot of animals are hit and then
they wander off the highway and die later,” Tracy Lee, director of conservation research with the Miistakis Institute told the CBC.
Smaller animals, like gophers, can also be carried off by scavengers before they can be reported. Reports are made by the Highway Maintenance Contractors, however they only report largebodied animal carcasses, which include wolves and other larger animals.
The Canada Safety Council (CSC) tells motorists not to swerve to avoid a collision with an animal, which could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
“Instinct may push you to swerve to avoid colliding with the animal. Swerving can lead to loss of control or collision with a different hazard or, worse, a fellow road user,” CSC says.
In an effort to prevent a collision with an animal, when safe to do so, turn on high beams to better see animals approaching the road.
“Reduce the odds of being caught by surprise by using your vehicle’s bright lights in the morning and evening. This may help you spot the animal on the edge of the road before it enters the roadway. Additionally, maintain a consistent scan of your surroundings and take extreme caution when driving in areas known to have wildlife. Look for move-
ment on the roadside, shining eyes, and flickering head lights from oncoming traffic which could indicate an animal crossing their path,” says the CSC.
The CSC says the safest approach, in non-moose
situations, is to keep driving straight while braking firmly, and honking the horn.
“At best, you will either get the vehicle stopped or the deer will bolt out of the path, avoiding a collision. At
worst, the reduced speed will limit the impacts of the collision.
“Moose, on the other hand, have a unique set of guidelines owing to their stature and weight. If you encounter one in the road, the priority should be avoiding any impact with your roof or windshield. Brake hard
to reduce the energy of the impact and aim for the moose’s flank when a collision is inevitable; most of the moose’s weight is in the front half of its body. Crouch in your seat upon impact, as the animal’s body may pose a threat even after the initial point of collision,” the CSC says.
Spring planting a little behind in Lamont County
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County’s spring planting season is facing some delays because of the long winter this year, but Lamont Agricultural Fieldman Terry Eleniak feels the recent warm weather may help bring the planting season closer to the normal planting schedule.
He said the warm weather has the snow melting from the top of the fields and farmers will have to wait for the lower areas of fields and ground frost to come out before they can begin seeding.
“The fields have to have the opportunity to dry out and the warm spells followed by snow cover, which we had recently, isn’t helping,” he said.
Just last week Lamont County was hit with snowfall of one to several inches in different areas.
Eleniak added that while sloughs and dugouts are quite full right now, its too early to tell if the water table is up considerably after several summers of drought-like conditions.
He said there is still quite a bit of melt water laying on the fields and in County ditches, and this will have to be absorbed before an accurate measure of where the water table is sitting can be done.
Eleniak said planting usually begins with pulse
crops such as peas and beans.
This would be followed by cereal crops such as malt barley and wheat and then canola would be the final crop planted.
“Canola usually needs to be planted after ground frost is out and temperatures are around five to seven degrees,” he said.
While warm weather has quickly ridded Lamont County fields of much of their snow cover, lower lying areas are still very wet or flooded which will hamper spring seeding this year. This flooded corner is near Range Road 193 and Twp. Road 552.
BeDevil
LYNNE JENKINSON PHOTO
Normal to above-normal levels expected for Alberta rivers
Stu Salkeld Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
This is the time of year snowpack starts to melt, water levels rise and the Red Deer River begins to flow a little faster. How fast, you might ask?
According to information from the Government of Alberta, it looks like the Red Deer River, including near the Town of Drumheller, is set for an average to above average spring.
As part of the province's regular water supply outlook, information is collected and presented regarding water and flow levels, plus snowpack.
“Alberta conducts mountain snowpack surveys monthly from Feb. 1 to June 1,” noted the page on alberta.ca.
“The data is published monthly in the water supply outlook.
“In addition to the monthly snowpack surveys, the Alberta river basins web application and the Alberta Rivers app provides automated snow pillow data from 18 sites, mostly in the mountains and foothills.
“Thirty-two mountain snowpack sites were surveyed around the beginning of Mar. Of the 31 mountain snowpack
sites that have more than 20 years of historical records, 21 had snowpack conditions that were above normal or much above normal.”
River flow rates are also predicted to be at
least higher than 2025 according to the provincial government.
“The March Water Supply Outlook forecasts river volumes that are generally expected to be greater than those
seen in 2025 and, in some cases, well above last year’s volumes,” noted alberta.ca.
“We are forecasting normal to above normal river volumes for the Oldman, Bow, Red Deer
and
Saskatchewan River basins, and normal to below normal river vol-
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New name to promote agritourism and rural development
Agritourism better describes current work and future
BY JOHN MATHER
The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association has officially rebranded itself as Agritourism Alberta after more than four decades of service.
This change reflects the growing importance of agritourism in the province and its role in connecting agriculture with tourism and rural development.
The announcement was made during a conference with Organic Alberta which brought farmers, industry leaders, and partners to share ideas and seek new opportunities in agriculture.
Agritourism is playing a key role in Alberta’s
economy by providing farmers with new income sources and supporting rural communities. It also helps visitors learn more about agriculture and the journey of food from farm to table.
The organization explained that the new name better represents its current work and future direction.
Agritourism encourages strong connections between people, farms, and local culture.
“Our new name better reflects who we are today and the important work our members do,” said the Agritourism Alberta Board.
“Agritourism is about
connection and bringing people closer to farms, food, culture, and community. This transition positions us to lead the sector forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.”
Alberta Open Farm Days has been promoting Agritourism for several years now.
And there have been tours that showcase Alberta’s agriculture and tourism industry in a fun, engaging and meaningful manner to participants of all ages.
Several farms in Strathcona and Lamont County have taken part in these two-day programs, usually held in August.
So many antique vehicles come to Chipman each year for the Show ’n Shine they all won’t fit in a photo. This year’s excitement - June 7.
Older equipment and older operators increase risks on the farm
Janzen Staff Reporter
For National Farm Safety Week this year, the Canada Safety Council (CSC) highlighted that the risk of agriculturerelated injuries and fatalities increases as both farmers and their equipment age.
“Older machinery may lack rollover protection or reliable braking systems. At the same time, older operators may be facing natural changes in mobility, reaction time, and visibility,” Gareth Jones, President & CEO of the CSC said.
The CSC says that while older machinery may still run reliably, the lack of modern safety features of older equipment, coupled with the fact the operators are also older, significantly increases the likelihood of serious injury.
“As farmers work later into life and equipment remains in service longer than ever, the risks associated with this trend are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore,” the CSC’s National Farm
Safety Week media release says.
Between 1990 and 2020, the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program recorded 2,814 agriculture-related fatalities, “representing an average of 91 deaths per year over the full period and 70 per year between 2006 and 2020.”
“Machinery, especially the tractor, continues to account for the largest share of fatalities, with rollovers, runovers, and entanglements representingthe most common circumstances.
“Canada’s farm population, meanwhile, is aging. Statistics Canada’s Census of Agriculture continues to identify a rising proportion of farm operators aged 55 and older. In 2021, the most recent year for which information is available, that demographic accounted for 60.5 per cent of Canada’s 262,045 farm population,” the CSC says.
The CSC recommends that older equipment be evaluated for safety regularly, checking to make sure tires and brakes are
still in good working condition, and note poor lighting and unguarded power take-offs (PTOs).
“Schedule preventative maintenance. Build regular inspections and servicing into the farm calendar to catch mechanical issues early and keep aging machinery operating safely,” the CSC says.
It is also recommended that tasks are planned with “physical changes in mind, avoiding highrisk terrain and allowing extra time for mounting, dismounting, and rest.”
When working before the sun comes up or after darkness has fallen, the CSC recommends ensuring that lighting is adequate for the task at hand. No matter the time of day or night, it is also recommended that regular check-ins with family members are made, which can allow a quicker response in the event of an emergency.
“Aging farmers and aging equipment are both realities of modern Canadian agriculture. But neither needs to become a source of preventable tragedy. Take
the time to understand how these factors interact. Take practical steps to address them. This way, farm families can protect their most valuable assets: their people and their livelihood,” the CSC says.
The CSC is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of safety in all aspects of Canadian life. Through education, advocacy, and community partnerships, the Council works to reduce preventable injuries and create safer homes, workplaces, and communities across the country.
Our community is enhanced by the many family operated farms in the district. They have demonstrated their ability to cope with both prosperity and adversity to achieve economic stability. We salute all those families now and all year round.
Mayor Hall and Council
Kari
Drones now used to track destructive wild boars
BY JOHN MATHER
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation researchers are now using drones to track and trap feral pigs in the province.
Feral pigs or boars cause considerable damage to crops and lands in the province and they have proven to be extremely difficult to eliminate.
Mathieu Pruvot, an assistant professor at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine said a recently launched thermal drone project will help study the movement and numbers of wild pigs in the province.
In January a GPS tracking collar was placed on a single sow and it was released back into the wild.
By using the tracking device on a pig combined
Farm land values increase by over 11 per cent
BY JOHN MATHER
A report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Farmland Values Report shows that the value of Canadian farmland has continued to increase in value jumping by 9.3 per cent in 2025.
In Alberta, average cultivated farmland values increased by 11.4 per cent in 2025. This followed a 7.1 per cent increase in 2024 and a 6.5 per cent increase in 2023.
“Demand for farmland remained robust, supported by long-term confidence in Canadian agriculture, lower borrowing costs, strong livestock prices and the limited supply of land available for sale,” said J.P. Gervais, ag. production executive vice-president at FCC.
“The ongoing uncertainties related to trade and tariffs, high input costs and low commodity prices did not deter buyers’ interest in farmland. These factors combined with varying local market conditions will influence future trends in farmland affordability.”
with a thermal drone, researchers and trappers can now see if the collared pig, or spy pig, is on her own or with a larger group.
Trapper and hunter Tirel Gowans of Sharpstone Conservation and his partners were hired by Alberta Pork last July to help eliminate the invasive wild boar population. The military veterans were already experienced drone pilots and said drones have become an important tool for locating and eliminating wild pigs.
“The drones give you a bird’s eye view. You are obviously looking for wild boar, but you can see the habitat where they reside. Based on that intelligence you can determine your next play, where are you going to
put the bait, where are you going to put a camera,” said Gowans.
“We have had a lot of success. The first three wild boar we killed after we identified them with a drone,” said Gowans.
Traditional tracking methods – like ground tracking, helicopter surveys or even trail cameras – often fall short because wild boar are nocturnal, intelligent and wary of any human activity.
“When pigs see any sign of human activity, they get into heavy, heavy cover and just disappear. So being able to look down from the air is just invaluable,” said Ryan Brook, a University of Saskatchewan professor and the lead researcher for the Canadian Wild Pig Research Proj-
ect.
“As the cameras get better, the technology improves, we're just going to see better capacity to find these pigs … and that's a huge part of the battle.”
Alberta's feral pig population includes Eurasian wild boar but also hybrids of the Eurasian breed and domestic pigs – escaped farm animals and their descendants.
Classified as a pest species, these hybrids –often described as super pigs – are incredibly destructive.
For several years boars have been making their way into Lamont County and are being monitored by County agriculture officials.
Agricultural fieldman Terry Eleniak stated a couple of years ago the
feral pig problem had been noticed and one particular boar had been “commuting between Beaver, Strathcona and Lamont Counties making it difficult to control.”
Eleniak said at the time the wild pigs have to be controlled when they are small in number and first identified.
“If they start having litters of six or eight it doesn’t take long for the population to grow large and then they get out of control.”
He added reports had been received of some in the Andrew area and one was hit a couple of years ago between Mundare and Andrew.
He added the pigs can move from 28 to 40 km in a day.
Lamont County is part of the provincial “Squeal
on Pigs” program where Alberta’s Squeal on Pigs program helps raise awareness around this invasive species and supports the Wild Boar Control program by encouraging the public to report sightings of Wild Boar-at-Large or evidence of Wild Boar-atLarge.
If you see wild boar or signs of their activity— such as rooting, tracks, or wallows—report it right away. Early detection prevents further spread and helps wildlife officers remove entire groups before they reproduce. Residents can report sightings online at Report Wild Boar at Large, or call 310-FARM (3276) or email: wildboar@gov.ab.ca
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
They are always looking at ways to display the flowers they sell, and are playing with different plantings all the time.
The Freadrich family enjoyed working with the Forestburg Communities in Bloom committee, too, both this year and last. This year the greenhouse is also supporting schools, this year, for the Daysland School Travel Club they made special Tuscan hanging baskets and Santorinithemed container arrangements.
The Freadrich family says their goal for the greenhouse is expanding into more than just bedding plants, they would like to be a garden centre. Andrea would love to bring more houseplants in, at some point, too.
Beyond what’s for sale, too, they would like people to feel welcome to come and browse, and if they felt like it, to weed or prune.
“We would love if residents at the Forestburg Lodge wanted to come out and do some ‘gardening.’ We’re not looking for slave labour, but if that appeals to someone, then they shouldn’t hesitate to come out.”
They are also open to providing work experience opportunities, but realize that that’s a really limited time offering.
Andrea says that they got to do all the ordering this year for the first time. “It was a lot of fun, but also a bit intimidating.”
They also had the opportunity, and necessity this year particularly, to switch over to a Canadian supplier for everything but their strawberries.
Dennis says, “There’s also a Hutterite colony in Rosalind that makes the plastic plant pots, so we even have a local supplier for that as well. They are a really good quality pot.”
They strive to keep pesticide use to a minimum, this year they purchased ladybugs to do some natural pest control.
Dennis and Donna spend their winters in Mexico, and you would think they’d resent having to come home earlier, at the end of February, to get started in the greenhouse, but they say they’re loving it.
Donna says she always
grew a big garden but focussed mainly on vegetables, so it’s been interesting for her to switch some of her focus to flowers.
Andrea says, “The people who work here have to love plants, it’s not a job for those who don’t.”
Dennis says there’s also a ‘greenhouse therapy effect,’ that just makes people feel better just walking in the door.
Andrea agrees, and says, “This is a place I can come with my kids and dogs, I’m working with family, and sharing the same passion and goals for the greenhouse. Communication is huge, it’s a big part of how we can work together with no friction.
“We have a very positive work and hang-out place.”
Now that the plants are underway, the focus will turn next to new signage, so people can find them easily. They are right off of Highway 53, just three kilometres east of Forestburg.
And while the rest of us wait for spring and the opportunity to get plants in our yards and decks, the Freadrichs say they are more than willing to offer custom plantings.
Andrea says, “I’ve been urging people to try new arrangements, and new varieties. We can custom plant your planters and containers.”
The sheer size of the greenhouse makes them one of the largest in the region, they think, giving them “room to explore with new plants.”
The greenhouse will also have an even bigger selection of herbs and vegetables this year, as well as a great selection of seeds and bulbs.
For their vegetable seedlings, they say, “These are late maturing plants, so the sooner we plant them here, the sooner they mature and our customers can enjoy their harvest.”
This year they are also trying some ornamental tobacco plans, and are experimenting with artichokes, too.
One fun thing they did last year, and plan to do again this year is hold a pumpkin growing contest.
If you buy a pumpkin seedling, you’re automatically entered. Last year’s winner grew a pumpkin that weighed 70.4 pounds, and was 50” around.
“We’re trying to make that a fun tradition.” They grow ‘Dill’s Atlantic Giants’ variety.
The Freadrichs say, “We really want to be part of and to serve the community.”
They are thinking over a number of new services, like flower delivery, delivery that includes planting, working with charities, and more. They are open to suggestions.
“For people who are unsure about what to grow, or how to grow it, they are welcome to come in and talk to us.
“And if you’re experienced, and would just like to come in for some ‘greenhouse therapy’ while waiting for planting time, just come and visit.”
They are getting very excited about this season, and can’t wait to get the doors open and having people come back, or visit for the first time. “We want to find a home for our plants; we want people to love them.”
If you do come for a visit, and you just can’t help yourself, they also say they will be happy to hold your plants until you’re ready for them, up until June 1.
Last year, their first year, they didn’t do the ordering, but ended up doing the selling on their own. They managed to sell nearly everything.
Plus, they really had some fun with the leftover plants, donating them to the Women’s Shelter in
Camrose, to the Killam Hospital, and to Hardisty, Castor, and Killam seniors homes. “We’re always looking for any groups or charities who might be
interested in getting some later, leftover plants,” the Freadrichs say. “It’s quite rewarding for us, too.”
For this family, the greenhouses already feel
like home, and they are having a lot of fun, and hope that this year’s visitors will enjoy seeing a wide selection of new plants, varieties, and colours.
