You know you’re doing something right when your work is continuously recognized by your peers.
Plant Paradise Country Gardens, an eco-tourism business in the Headwaters Region, is one of those businesses harvesting such success.
Rooted in Caledon in the Region of Peel, Plant Paradise Country Gardens–co-owned by Lorraine Roberts and her husband Robert–has recently received:
✿ the 2017 Destination Garden Centre of the Year Award from the Canadian Garden Council and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
✿ a ‘Canada 150 Garden Experience’ designation – one of 150 outstanding gardens or garden experiences to visit this year in Canada
✿ the 2016 Headwaters Tourism Award for Best Nature & Leisure Visitor Experience
Lorraine herself is a lifelong gardener, perennial specialist, horticulturist, garden designer and author of two books. Recently, she took some time to talk with us about their philosophy and deep passion for horticulture and the environment, a passion which has clearly helped shape the success of their business.
“The environment is integral to everyone’s well-being,” Lorraine says, “horticulture and garden businesses are instrumental in providing the public with the information required to create a healthy sustainable, environment.”
Plant Paradise Country Gardens is now celebrating its 10th anniversary in doing just that — practicing and promoting organic gardening.
The renowned local tourist spot offers visitors a stroll or guided tour through botanical gardens of continuous bloom on 24 scenic acres, woodland nature trails, an on-site organic perennial nursery garden centre, and, to complete the destination experience, a popular countryside bed & breakfast. The property and B&B offers many attractions, including hiking and cross-country skiing trails in the winter.
Now a flourishing business, it all began with a simple pure love for gardening, and a desire to awaken that passion in others.
Hence, in addition to mastering the tourism field, Plant Paradise also prides themselves on being a source of public education for visitors. They host on-going educational & workshop programs that encourage people to get out and grow.
Being relatively close to urban areas, where people can easily become disconnected from their inner green thumbs, Lorraine says Plant Paradise offers city dwellers an authentic experience to connect with and get inspired by nature. Their significant success proves that the interest is undeniably there.
“Horticulture and garden businesses are in the position to educate the public on gardening methods that will sustain an environmentally healthy eco-system,” shares Lorraine. “Our botanical gardens and perennials are a testament that pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers are not necessary.”
She adds, “our success helps the industry grow and move in a direction of more sustainable horticultural and gardening practices.”
Interested in greening your thumb or just visiting one of Canada’s 150 designated Garden Experiences? It’s the perfect time of year to get in the blooming mood and plan a trip to a charming and educational paradise.
If you’re looking to plan a summer visit, their Gardenfest—a free open house weekend garden celebration—is taking place on July 8 & 9th this year. Gardenfest features free botanical garden self-guided and guided group tours, where gardening tips and insights will be shared. Be sure to check out the Plant Paradise Country Gardens website for more info and gardening resources.