Seasonal garden centres are considered an essential service

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

As spring arrives, the thought of getting out into the garden and planting an array of beautiful flowers is an exciting prospect for many residents. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic still going strong in Canada and with many businesses closing their doors, either of their own accord or by way of provincial legislation, some have wondered whether seasonal gardening centres fall under the jurisdiction of being an essential service. 

The Ontario government released a list of specific occupations and businesses that are to be considered an ‘essential service' during the global pandemic on March 23, with the document updated on April 4. Those who were considered ‘non-essential' were ordered to close their doors by March 24 to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus in Ontario.

Several garden centres remain open to service the community, with a wide variety of products available. Zehr's confirmed with the Citizen that their seasonal garden centre is open and has been deemed essential for the community. 

Other garden centres such as Glen Echo Nurseries have made changes in their operations to keep themselves and customers safe while preparing for the spring season. 

“We have been quite affected because normally our doors are open, and people are in our centres and purchasing. We don't have an online store, many garden centres don't have an online store,” remarked Valerie Wylie from Glen Echo Nurseries. “What most people are after are things for their gardens, in particular, their vegetable gardens.”

With consistent shortages of produce due to the large customer demand, many have taken it upon themselves to grow their own produce. 

She added, “People are after seeds, starting mix, and a lot of fruit bushes and plants.”

Many farm companies rely on garden centers and nurseries for distribution. As spring rolls around, farmer's crops begin to sprout and grow to get ready for distribution to garden centres and nurseries. But if distribution were to be held off, product, money and jobs would be in jeopardy. 

“It definitely affects the sales for sure. We've got to put a hold on some orders, but you've got all these growers that are spending months growing products for this time of year and they can't ship them out,” Wylie explained. “They're definitely hurting that way themselves because they count on us to distribute their product.”

Many farmers also depend on migrant workers who come in during new crop seasons. Farmers rely heavily on migrant workers, and production isn't possible without them. Wylie describes it as a “huge industry all around.” 

“We fall under an essential service in the fact that we provide food crops,” said Wylie.

According to the list, “business that produce food and beverages and agricultural products including plants, including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing.” As well as, “Businesses that process, manufacture or distribute food, beverages, crops, agricultural products and by-products.” 

Food supply isn't just one factor that has been considered when deciding whether a garden centre is essential or not. Maintaining the mental health of the public has been listed as another reason to keep the centres open. 

Provinces such as British Columbia and Quebec have deemed gardening centres an essential service as springtime slowly arrives. Gardening provides an opportunity to get outside, while still self-isolating at home. 

“It's people safely outside. They can still be isolating, but able to do something. Get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors. It's mental and physical wellbeing, because they're actually getting in some exercise, whereas if you're living in a condo right now and can't get out,” said Wylie.

For more information about Glen Echo Nurseries, please visit glenecho.com.