– By Doreen Marion Gee –
This is the first in a four-part series showcasing some of the unique local shops and services the Saanich Peninsula has to offer.
Modern gardening continues to push creative boundaries every day. As peoples’ lives and spaces change, so do their gardens. Patio Gardens offers everything under the sun to optimize this transition. And their cutting-edge workshops educate people in every aspect of the modern flower patch. Welcome to new adventures in gardening!
Yvonne and Paul Bulk are the amiable owners of “Patio Gardens” – “A Speciality Garden Centre for Patios and Hanging Baskets.” Their beautiful facility on West Saanich Road bursts with flowers, bushes and hanging and potted plants that dazzle the eyes. “We do a lot of hanging baskets and container gardens.” Everything is grown organically, without pesticides. They customize orders with your name on the basket. Artistic ceramic pottery, ornamental patio furniture and one-of-a-kind gifts are hand-picked from craft fairs near and far.
Nowadays, many people are downsizing their accommodation for various reasons. This major shift was the catalyst for the Bulks’ present operation; they want people to still feel the joy of a garden and reap its benefits, even though it will look different. “Our niche is definitely container gardening (growing plants in pots) and hanging baskets. A lot of people are moving out of big properties and houses and into condos and now all they have is a patio or balcony.” The owners’ goal is to provide gardening products and services that help people adjust to container gardening after years of working in a much larger green space. The couple started out twelve years ago with hanging baskets to specifically address that new niche in the community. Later they added container gardens, planters, shrubs, workshops and hard goods. “Now people could continue to enjoy their garden!” The Centre’s focus is on small yards, patios and decks but they still carry many items for a standard garden.
Last fall the couple opened up their gift shop, the ‘All-Seasons Boutique’ and, due to customer requests, began a program of workshops. Their unique and innovative workshops are invaluable in our new patio garden culture; classes such as “Low Maintenance ‘Greens’ Hanging Basket” and “Edible Planters” teach plant-lovers how to create a garden paradise on a patio or deck to rival any standard flower patch. Some workshops enchant children, like “Fairy Gardens”. Speakers educate the audience on different topics – a member of the Orchid Society was a recent guest.
Size does not have to affect quality. Avant-garde patio gardens can be just as beauteous as a backyard spread. And with the skills learned at Patio Gardens’ workshops, the neighbours’ envy will turn them as green as your thumb.
Yvonne and Paul thank all of their loyal customers over the years. And ask them about a special gift on your birthday.
Contact: www.patiogardensvictoria.ca
