133-year-old garden center to close

Photo: Screenshot of Patmore Garden Center and Nursery's Facebook page.

Over the weekend, the owner of Patmore Garden Center and Nursery in Manitoba, Canada, announced on the company's website and Facebook page that the 133-year-old business was closing this summer, citing a tough consumer market and changing times. 

Owner Marci Bomford said she will continue sales until July 9.

"None of us will ever be the same after this day," Bomford wrote on Facebook. "I have never been so proud of my staff than today. These are amazing people I have the privilege of working with. Thank you thank you from the bottom of my soul."

Several comments came in from customers, thanking the business for their service, especially for their charitable work in the community of Brandon, MB.

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Here is an excerpt from the note posted on the website:

The owners and staff of Patmore Garden Center and Nursery announce they will be closing permanently this summer.

Times have changed since 1883. It’s much more challenging in today’s consumer market for small, local businesses to survive.

High costs involved in operating a greenhouse business are exceptionally challenging. Rising costs of inputs, heat, labor and property taxes are all big considerations. Plus, the buildings and greenhouses are over 40 years old and in need of major repair and renovation.

In addition, the increase in garden center presence in large, box stores has been a significant factor. Plants and other products that you used to be able to only find at specialized garden centres are now available everywhere and at loss leader pricing. It was also about quality of life and family balance.

Patmore Nursery Sales has been in business in Brandon since for 133 years. Henry Patmore assisted in greening this part of the world by contributing to the planting of street trees, shelter belts and to the development of the Patmore Green Ash species.

The entire team at Patmore has worked hard to ensure that quality products and outstanding service were part of the shopping experience for local gardeners. We poured our hearts into Patmore’s, it is certainly the end of a dream for many of us.

We are so thankful to all the customers who have supported Patmore’s for all these years. They are the reason we’ve stayed in business so long and it has truly been an honor to assist them in all of their gardening needs.

The doors at Patmore Garden Center and Nursery are scheduled to close the 9th of July and you and friends and family are encouraged to use any outstanding gift certificates.