June 25, 2013, Chilliwack, B.C. — With mixed feelings, the Minter family
today announced that 2013 will be the final season for Minter Gardens,
the 32-acre show garden located at the foot of Mt. Cheam in Rosedale,
BC.
June 25, 2013, Chilliwack, B.C. — With mixed feelings, the Minter family today announced that 2013 will be the final season for Minter Gardens, the 32-acre show garden located at the foot of Mt. Cheam in Rosedale, BC.
The last day of operation will be Monday, Oct. 14, 2013.
"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."
The Country Garden store is not impacted by the sale of Minter Gardens – in fact, visitors can expect it to become even more exciting as the Minter family devotes even greater energy to this thriving business.
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