News On the move
New horticultural consulting service debuts in Alberta

A new horticultural consulting service has launched in Alberta.

Based out of Stettler, Alta., Spencer Horticultural Solutions (SHS) provides information, resources and expertise to support the different horticultural sectors in Alberta. Not only is it geared towards commercial growers, its audience also includes hobbyists, home and private gardeners, as well as municipalities and industry associations.

“Whatever your focus and desired outcome, we have the tools to help you grow,” says Robert Spencer, owner of SHS. “We’ll provide well-researched information, whether written, oral or other, as well as advice and recommendations specific to the individual situations. I’ll develop customized solutions for each client’s needs.”

SHS also runs a blog called Hort Morsels. Debuting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, his first blog post is aptly named Launch of a new era. “Sometimes life throws a curveball at you. Occasionally, life’s pitching machine goes insane and throws everything at you, all at once. It can be unsettling, unnerving and demoralizing. On the other hand, it can also be energizing, exciting and interesting,” he writes.

The blog will be updated weekly with new posts. “I intend to include lots of insect pest and disease factsheets, some food for thought articles and a few tidbits to snack upon,” he writes. His latest entries are timely and relevant, including coping with COVID and checking up on mental health.

The website itself also offers a multitude of resources for producers. In addition to a calendar of upcoming events, there are monthly to-do lists for producers and a growing database of pests and diseases.

Formerly the horticulture specialist at Alberta Agriculture & Forestry, Spencer draws from a broad base of horticultural expertise in prairie fruit, field vegetable production, as well as knowledge of greenhouse, nursery and speciality crops. Spencer’s new venture has hit the ground running.

“Rob was an excellent advocate for the horticulture industry in Alberta through his years of service. Providing both technical and educational support to this growing industry certainly assisted in the success of many farms.,” writes Joel Beatson, CEO of Landscape Alberta.

For more, visit the Spencer Horticultural Solutions website