As spring breathes life into Sault Ste. Marie, local gardeners are preparing their plots with anticipation.
Yet, beyond the joy of cultivating vibrant blooms and fresh produce, lies a deeper opportunity: strengthening the community by choosing to shop locally for gardening needs. In today’s shifting geopolitical climate, supporting Canadian businesses has never been more critical. With increasing economic pressures from the U.S. and global supply chain disruptions, ensuring a strong, self-sufficient local economy is essential.
While big-box stores and online giants may tempt us with convenience, shopping local offers unmatched benefits—not just for our gardens, but for our community, environment, and the future of Canadian agriculture.
Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to grab a discounted plant from a national retailer, but how many times have we brought home a struggling specimen only to watch it wither despite our best efforts? Many mass-produced plants are grown in distant greenhouses under controlled conditions, then transported long distances, often leaving them stressed and less resilient upon arrival. In contrast, local garden centers prioritize quality over volume and have a long track record of serving their local community. This local cultivation results in healthier plants that are more likely to thrive in local gardens.
New North Greenhouses is a prime example of an institution who has been serving the community of Sault Ste. Marie for over 32 years. Over 95% of their cuttings, seeds, and bulbs come from Canadian companies. Their plants are nurtured in 70,000 sq. ft. of greenhouses right here in the Soo, meaning they are already acclimated to our climate. When you buy from a local garden centre, you’re not just getting a plant—you’re getting one that’s been raised with care and primed for success in Northern Ontario’s growing conditions.
Community Impact: Strengthening Local Economies
Investing in local businesses has a significant economic impact. When you shop at a locally owned business, your money stays in the community, fostering economic growth and stability. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, for every dollar spent at a small business, 66 cents remain in the local economy, compared to only 11 cents when spent at multinational retailers. This means that purchasing gardening supplies locally not only supports the business but also contributes to local job creation.
Beyond direct employment, local businesses contribute to a thriving regional economy by sourcing materials and services from nearby companies. Choosing local isn't just about buying a plant—it’s about strengthening the foundation of our community for generations to come.
Environmental Stewardship: Reducing Our Footprint
Local gardening purchases also promotes environmental sustainability. Gardeners inherently care about the environment, and shopping local aligns with those values.
Plants shipped across long distances contribute to unnecessary carbon emissions through transportation, and many imported plants are treated with chemicals to meet export regulations. Moreover, locally grown plants are better adapted to the local environment, often needing fewer resources such as water and fertilizers. By choosing local, gardeners make eco-friendly decisions that benefit the broader ecosystem. Supporting local means gardening in a way that’s better for the planet.
Expertise and Personalized Service
Local garden centres offer more than just products; they provide personalized advice and support. Unlike the impersonal experience of navigating the aisles of a big-box store, local garden centers offer the invaluable benefit of expertise. Team members at places like New North aren’t just employees; they’re passionate plant enthusiasts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of gardening in Sault Ste. Marie.
They take pride in offering tailored recommendations, troubleshooting plant problems, and helping you choose the right plants for your garden’s specific conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, personalized advice and tailored solutions can make all the difference in achieving a flourishing garden.
A Commitment to Canadian Gardening
Gardening is more than a solitary activity; it's a communal endeavor that fosters connections and shared growth. By supporting local garden centres, residents of Sault Ste. Marie invest in the collective well-being of their community. This gardening season, consider the broader impact of your purchases and choose to shop local, nurturing both your garden and your community.
At New North, we are committed to providing high-quality plants and products that support local businesses, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to a thriving gardening community. We take pride in our Canadian roots and in helping our customers create beautiful, sustainable gardens with plants that are meant to thrive in our northern climate.
This gardening season, let’s make conscious choices that go beyond just planting flowers. By supporting local, we’re investing in quality, strengthening our local economy, promoting environmental responsibility, and reinforcing Canadian agricultural self-sufficiency.
Together, we can cultivate not just beautiful gardens but also a resilient, vibrant future for our community and our country. Let’s grow local!
Visit New North Greenhouses at 719 Airport Road, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario or online here. Call them today at 705 779 2168.
