Sheridan Nurseries Marks 110 Years with Grand Opening of Innovative Garden Centre Concept in Aurora [Interviews]

Date:

Share post:

Ontario-based Sheridan Nurseries has opened a new concept Garden Centre in Aurora, Ontario as it celebrates 110 years of growing with landscape professionals and home gardeners.

The company says it is proud to continue to innovate and inspire with products and services to create dream landscapes and backyard havens. 

The new garden centre, which is the company’s eighth location, features:

  • A nursery featuring premium trees, flowering shrubs, evergreens and other hardy, ornamental nursery stock;
  • A wide selection of perennials and annuals to grow a garden of timeless beauty and colour;
  • A greenhouse featuring an exotic collection of tropical, foliage and flowering houseplants;
  • All the supplies and tools to set you up for success in your garden;
  • A collection of patio furniture, outdoor accessories, home décor and fashion.
Image: Sheridan Nurseries
Image: Sheridan Nurseries

“We’re thrilled to be opening our newest location in Aurora,” said Colin Cruji, President and CEO of Sheridan Nurseries. “Sheridan Nurseries has been part of the Ontario landscape industry since 1913, and we’re excited to bring our expertise and passion for gardening to this vibrant community.”

Colin Cruji

Sheridan Nurseries is a local grower, wholesaler and retailer of plants, garden supplies, patio furniture and home decor products. It offers one of the largest assortments of annuals, perennials, and nursery stock in Southern Ontario. Sheridan grows over 1,200 cultivars of perennials in Norval, Ontario and hardy nursery stock on 900 acres in Halton Hills, Ontario, and ships 1.8 million plants annually to markets across North America.

Victoria Mulvale, Director of Marketing for Sheridan, said the company was started in 1913 by two landscape architects (Howard and Lorrie Dunington-Grubb ) who came from England with a vision of bringing the idea of an ornamental garden to the ‘wilds’ of Canada.

Victoria Mulvale

“It didn’t exist. There were no real formal gardens in Canada back then,” she said. “They quickly discovered that not only did we not have gardens already but we did not have the plant material that was hardy to the climate to be able to put together these gardens.

“So they purchased some land in Sheridan, Ontario which is now part of Oakville . . . and they started growing the plants and products that they would need to bring the vision of the ornamental gardens to life, or the English gardens.

“In 1913, they purchased 100 acres of land and they started cultivating ornamental plants and that was the beginning of Sheridan Nurseries.”

Image: Sheridan Nurseries

She said the new nursery hired accomplished Scandinavian horticulturist Herman Stensson as its foreman. The Stensson family continues to be owners of the Sheridan Nurseries today.

By 1926, the company had 250 acres and it continued to grow by adding farms in Georgetown, where it currently operates its farm production.

The newest Garden Centre in Aurora is located at 15630 Bayview Ave.

Design for the new Garden Centre was led by Burdifelik and Drew Mandel Architects, with construction managed by Structure Group.

The Aurora Garden Centre is supported by Sheridan Nurseries’ 900 acres of farm production in Halton Hills, Ontario. 

The current nurseries are all in Southern Ontario.

Image: Sheridan Nurseries
Image: Sheridan Nurseries

Mulvale said the Garden Centre in Aurora is a test.

“It’s a new direction for how we’re bringing the Garden Centre to life in communities. It’s not on sprawling acres of land like you would traditionally see a garden centre. It’s a standalone building within a shopping centre. It’s a new approach. We’re going to see how that goes and that will sort of lead us into further development based on the success of that location and seeing how that one goes and how we need to modify or shift,” she said.

Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi, based in Calgary, has more than 40 years experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, faith, city and breaking news, and business. He is the Senior News Editor with Retail Insider in addition to working as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From The Author

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

Related articles

Consumer Loyalty Trends in Canada: The Crucial Role of Personalization in a Changing Economy [Video Interview]

A critical statistic reveals that 33% of consumers abandon brands that lack personalization, emphasizing the growing importance of tailoring experiences and offers to meet individual customer expectations in today's competitive market.

Ralph Lauren Expands in Canada with 1st Full-Price Luxury Store at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre [Photos]

The US-based brand has opened a concept store featuring a mix of luxury and Polo products, and is expected to open more in Canada after launching an e-commerce site next month. 

Bayshore Shopping Centre in Ottawa Dominating Market and Adding Tenants Amid Sales Growth [Interview]

The landlord completed 77 leasing transactions totalling over 431,000 square feet in the past year, with more retailers and a redevelopment in the works.

Elevating Canadian Retail: How JLL’s Expertise Reshapes Property Management [Interviews]

Landlords are increasingly turning to JLL for pioneering property management solutions that prioritize both enhanced customer experiences and sustainability.

Mandy’s to Open Gourmet Salad Restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville as Chain Expands [Exclusive Interview/Renderings]

The popular Montreal-based foodservice concept is growing its presence in Toronto with multiple locations, including one behind a soon-to-open Saint Laurent flagship store.

Gen Z’s Digital Upbringing Meets a Passion for Tangible Retail and Authentic Brands [Interview]

A new report on Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, provides insight into consumer behaviours as well as a look into the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Interview with Giant Tiger’s New CEO Gino DiGioacchino on the Future of the Iconic Canadian Retailer [Interview]

DiGioacchino speaks to Retail Insider after being appointed as the new President and CEO of Giant Tiger, and discusses the future of the business and importance of maintaining strong connections with local communities.

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Footprint with Pop-Up Stores [Interview]

The strategy involves providing customers with a taste of Purdys' renowned chocolates in areas where the brand hasn't had a presence before.

Colliers Report Emphasizes the Retail Advantage of Bridging the Digital-Physical Divide [Interview]

A recent report by Colliers Real Estate Management Services reveals that retailers who effectively blend their online and physical store operations are 35% more likely to achieve profitability, with the study emphasizes the importance of omnichannel strategies, convenience, property maintenance, and retailer-driven ESG initiatives.

Preview of ICSC@CANADA Conference 2023: Retail, Technology, and Networking Opportunities in Toronto [Interview]

Craig and Kyle Tomlin, Director of Events in Canada for ICSC, discuss the highly anticipated ICSC@CANADA 2023 conference, set to take place from October 2nd to 4th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Hall in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Grocers Take a Page from Carrefour’s Playbook to Tackle ‘Shrinkflation [Op-Ed]

French supermarket chain Carrefour has labeled products impacted by reduced size, and similar measures may be adopted in Canada to enhance transparency in food pricing, says Sylvain Charlebois.

Jeweller Mejuri Debuts Personalized App and Innovative Membership Program; Plans Expansion with 5 New Stores [Co-Founder Interview]

The popular brand's personalized mobile app and membership program aim to enhance customer engagement and personalization, as Mejuri enters major markets with stores.