Premier Doug Ford has promised “good news” later this week for independent garden centres and nurseries in Ontario.
Although garden centres and nurseries were among a shortlist of selected businesses that the Ontario government announced on Friday (May 1) would be allowed to open on May 4th, they can only provide curbside pick-up and delivery — which many have already been doing.
Ford made the comment at a media briefing on Monday (May 4) after a reporter asked the Premier why standalone garden centres are not on a level playing field with grocery stores, which are allowed to sell plants in store and in their parking lots.
“I agree it’s unfair,” Ford replied. “Stay tuned, we’re going to have some good news for these folks this week. We’re going to get moving on that.”
Although garden centres and nurseries were not explicitly named as essential businesses under Ontario’s previous emergency orders, many have already been operating with curbside pick-up.
Others that can afford to do so have implemented online shopping and delivery, which was allowed under the emergency orders.
However, this method of doing businesses has limited sales for these businesses, as most gardeners prefer to browse and select plants themselves in person.
Unlike grocery stores and big box stores, locally owned independent gardening retailers often grow their own plants, have a much wider variety of plants to choose from, and have experienced and knowledgeable staff.
May is a critical month for garden centres and nurseries as people begin planting in earnest around the Victoria Day weekend.
