June 26, 2013, Chilliwack, B.C. — This fall, Minter Gardens will close its gates for the last time.
The final day of operations for the 32-acre show garden at the foot of Mt. Cheam will be Oct. 14
“Minter Gardens has been a huge part of our lives," said Brian Minter, who co-owns the property with his wife and business partner, Faye Minter. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime dream to create one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Few people have the opportunity to live out their dreams so we consider ourselves truly blessed. We thank everyone who has had a hand in our success and shared our vision. To our daughters Lisa and Erin, family, friends and loyal employees, we are so very grateful for your help and support over the years."
Since opening its gates in May 1980, Minter Gardens has been a popular destination for gardening enthusiasts of all ages. However, in more recent years, the attraction has felt the pressure of declining tourism and a changing climate that offers up more cold, rainy days than the abundantly sunny ones that attract visitors to the grounds. Together, these factors have significantly impacted the long-term viability of operating an outdoor destination garden.
Next steps for the property are still to be finalized, but the Minter family is actively exploring options where it could be developed in an eco- and community-friendly manner that makes the best use of the natural setting and landscape features.
"Making the decision to close Minter Gardens and sell the property has been very difficult," said Minter. "Ultimately, it comes down to what is best for our family. We will focus our efforts on the Country Garden Store and greenhouse operation on Young Road. Faye and I will now be able to spend more time with our grandchildren and we are confident that we will be leaving a strong, sustainable legacy to our family."
"As we wrap up this chapter in our lives, we remain committed to this community and to doing the right thing by folks who have – or were planning to – share their important life moments with us," said Lisa Minter-Bustin, assistant manager at the garden center. "Any events booked for the current season will proceed as planned. We have contacted the young couples that have expressed interest in hosting their weddings at Minter Gardens in 2014. We will of course offer assistance, with their permission, in helping them secure alternate venues for their special days."
Similarly, the Minters will be contacting individuals who purchased commemorative benches in memory of loved ones who have passed. Currently these are on display in public viewing areas throughout the grounds. Families will have the opportunity to visit the gardens and make thoughtful decisions about moving their benches to a new location.
Minter Gardens is already open for the 2013 season and normal operations will continue until Thanksgiving Monday in October. Throughout this time, patrons can expect a series of special days where the Minters will welcome guests to the gardens to help them celebrate as they mark 33 years of beauty.
To keep on top of the wind-up events, the Minters encourage everyone to stop by the Country Garden store on Young Road in Chilliwack. This operation, originally located on Hope River Road, is where Brian and Faye first began their "adventures in gardening." Today the store is a destination for expert and novice gardeners alike.
The Country Garden store is not impacted by the sale of Minter Gardens – in fact, you can expect it to become even more exciting as the Minter family devotes even greater energy to this thriving business.
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