Devan Greenhouses a "Destination Garden Centre" discovered quite by chance only a year ago. After living in the Abbotsford Fraser Valley area for more than a decade it was a lovely surprise. A big bonus is that the extensive greenhouses are pesticide free and follow "a holistic approach to growing". As well, they recycle water which is aerated, filtered and reused. Plus there are many more reasons to visit Devan Nurseries. Read on and check out their link below:
“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”
~ Luther Burbank - Botanist 1849 - 1926
Flowers Really Make you Happier
At the end of February this year I was overjoyed when shopping at Devan Nurseries for a gift for a friend and I bought the beautiful and colourful flowers (photo above). My friend was overjoyed with her gift. As a result, I wrote & tweeted the following with the above photo:
HAPPINESS is ...These beautiful flowers cost a little more than a specialty coffee and worth every cent plus they will last way longer!
~ Liz
At home a month later the same flowers which I also bought for myself, are still flowering on our coffee table.
Even if it is rainy outside it is positively uplifting to be in the "presence of flowers". There are research studies on this and it seems to be for all age groups. This may explain why the staff are always "happier and more helpful".
“Where flowers bloom so does hope.”
~ Lady Bird Johnson
Staff & Environment
I was, and still am, pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of not only flowers, but fruit trees and in the Springtime a very large selection of vegetables already started for you. If you wish to grow your own veggies from scratch, seeds are for sale as well. It is a "one stop" gardening shop for all your needs, and I am sure you will spend more time there than planned.
During the past year when visiting, and buying plants for myself and others, the staff have been consistently helpful. As mentioned, they always have time to help you find plants you have never heard of. For example, I was looking for "woolley thyme" and "aubrieta" and had no idea where to begin! But we found both. Thank you.
"Benefits of Gardening: Vegetable gardening offers many of the same benefits as other gardening activities, including exercise, fresh air, landscape beautification and enjoyment. Plus it promotes a varied & nutritious diet"
- University of Missouri
Vegetables - saved the best for last!
A favourite "lifetime past time" = Veggie Gardening ...
It seems nearly all my life I have been around a veggie patch or two. It is something that has always been a part of my life. See my About
For me it is fun to check out what new vegetable plants are growing each week at Devan. I bought several varieties of lettuce transplants early in March and we were eating fresh, pesticide free, salads a few weeks later ... and continue.
To save myself time and energy, this year is the first I will be using transplants, mostly tomatoes, which I have already purchased from Devan. The tomatoes are growing well, inside under lights, and will be transferred into the greenhouse outside before finally being transplanted to their "summer homes"
"Shop locally - Choose Ethically"
~ SPCA
In Closing
I find the "air" in the greenhouses simply refreshing as well as the many fragrances. It is my "go to" nursery for flowers and veggies, seeds and supplies. The quality of the plants and flowers I have bought have all been healthy and in good condition. I think you will also be happy with the great prices and super weekly specials.
Best wishes and success with your gardening.
Have Fun & Enjoy! ~ Liz
PS: There are goats with kids and chickens outside - fun entertainment for your children! Guaranteed to put a smile on all your faces.
Links & References
- Here is the link to Devan Nurseries. Sign up for their weekly newsletter & check out weekly specials and what's happening at Devan
- All "About Flowers"
- "Gardening for your Health" University of New Hampshire
- "Health and well-being benefits of plants" Texas University
Caramel and Parsley :
- "8 Reasons to buy a Greenhouse for the Vegetable Garden"
- "The Self Sufficient Gardener - John Seymour"
- A flashback to a previous Summer Garden
On re-reading this article the thought crossed my mind that growing up in Australia we always had "flowers" in our home and mostly from our garden. Mum picked whatever was in Season - from daffodils, lilac, lily of the valley, Christmas roses and much more. A happy memory
