Is anyone else soakin’ up the sunshine like a sunflower, or is it just us…?

But serious talk: the Okanagan is finally warming up thanks to the copious amounts of springtime sun and that means it’s that time of year to bust out your gardening gloves and trowel!

Can you smell it? The fresh soil, blooming flowers, and first buds on the orchard trees? It’s like we’ve all received a new burst of energy as we shake off winter and embrace this next season of renewal and growth.

Thankfully, the Okanagan is teeming with locally owned and operated home and garden stores for all your green thumb needs. And for individuals who might need a bit more help to, ahem, not kill their plants, every local business has decades of experience working with our unique climate and can more than happily guide you through your new greenhouse journey!

1. Nicholas Alexander Home & Garden in Vernon

What are you lookin’ for: indoor plants, outdoor veggies, or supplies? Doesn’t matter because Vernon’s premiere garden and home store has got you outfitted no matter what level or interest you might have when it comes to gardening. This shop also highly prioritizes community involvement and gives back to numerous charities, including helping out local schools with plants and fundraising.

2. The Greenery Garden Centre in Kelowna

When it comes to homegrown plants from a family-owned business, you can’t ask for more than The Greenery. Since 1972, they’ve been planting seeds and watching them grow in the Kelowna community, and to this day there’s still three generations working the store and offering up gardening tips and tricks. Stop by this month, bring a bit of life back to the house, and then sit back and watch it grow!

3. West Kelowna’s Byland Garden Centre

It wouldn’t be a proper Okanagan gardening round-up if we didn’t include Bylands! This year-round gardening destination has 450 acres of growing land in West Kelowna, making it hard to miss and a definite no-brainer when it comes to updating your spring garden. They’re even got a home decor and floral department to help add more colour to your living space this season.

4. Sahara Garden Art in Penticton

For those who want a little less outside time but still yearn for a touch more greenery, we highly suggest you check out Sahara’s collection of beautiful indoor plants and florals. They host a variety of workshops throughout the year so you can learn new skills and ways to liven up your home space—especially for those who don’t have the luxury of a backyard!

5. Oliver’s Riverside Garden Centre

Are you looking for a family run spot on the outskirts of Oliver? Then look no further than Riverside! With decades of experience growing plants in the South Okanagan, they’re more than qualified to help you and your garden thrive in this climate. With roots going back to 1910, their family has always been working in the fruit orchard business and have expanded into home and gardens. Just be sure to check out their seasonal hours before stopping by!

6. Sandhu Greenhouses & Nursery in Osoyoos

For one of the largest garden centres in the South Okanagan, you have to make a quick stop at Sandhu! Or maybe a long stop if you get distracted by all the greenery… For over 15 years the entire Sandhu family has been helping the community bring a spot of life to their homes, and are more than happy to educate you on the best choices for your space. They’re also conveniently located just on the side of Highway 97!

Whatever your skill level—novice, expert, reformed-plant-killer—we hope you’re able to soak up some of the sun that’s finally gracing our valley and get your hands a bit dirty! Gardening can be such a great pastime because it’s a low-impact exercise and you get to breathe in some fresh air. So happy planting, everyone!

XX,

Your Okanagan Curators