“We have been fortunate to supply Rae & Bob at Greenhouse and Garden Center with their plants for the last 27 years, since they first opened their business,” says Jacques. “Rae announced she would like to retire in 2023. We took the opportunity to purchase the business and add a retail centre to our existing wholesale business. This spring of 2024 is our kickoff year!”
There are plenty of usual favourites plus new options to explore.
“We will have a lot of the favourites that made Rae’s so popular as well as some new plants to showcase,” confirms Jacques. “We primarily will have flowering annuals but also garden staples with a range of vegetables and perennials suited to our growing zone in and around Sundre. We are excited to carry Earth Apples potato seeds out of Stony Plain, AB, along with some bulk potato seeds from Edmonton Potato Growers. West Coast Seeds will be supplying us with a range of best-selling packet varieties for our gardeners. We are also stocking up on some great pieces for the store to compliment your plant purchases with stylish planters, fountains, and more.”
Adding to what they offer, Conway is an experienced grower with a degree in horticulture. He established his own wholesale business (Qualtec Greenhouses) in 1991 with an exceptional eye for growing healthy, happy plants.
“We take a lot of pride in providing quality plants that are going to help the buyer start out with success in their garden ventures. We are fortunate in that many of our clients that we service today have been with us since the beginning of our wholesale division,” Jacques adds.
She continues, “We have delved into growing some new products in the perennial world of plants; we are very excited to see how they perform. So far, they are growing amazingly well in the greenhouse and we can’t wait to showcase them. We are working on everything from raspberries and rhubarb to Hosta and some gorgeous digitalis colors like Camelot rose and lavender. Overall our greatest reward is knowing our customers are taking home a healthy plant.
“We are proud to be suppliers of some terrific properties. Our flowers have been a showcase for some iconic Alberta tourist destinations for decades. The smiles and excitement we get from the staff and customers when we pull on site with a delivery always make us proud!”
Being new to the Sundre area, Jacques and Conway are looking forward to getting to know the community and supporting where they can.
“I am excited to meet our neighbors and learn more about Sundre! I have a few connections here, but it will be great to meet some more people in the area.”
The co-owners say warm thanks to, “Rae, Bob and their family for their patience and support while we worked through this undertaking. We also thank all our staff at Qualtec Greenhouses who are a tremendous support with their work alongside our family.”
Don’t miss the grand opening on April 27 where there will be giveaways, and a grand prize draw.
“We look forward to a very, very busy spring!” Jacques concludes
