The Groovy Gardener: Cape Breton man turns green thumb into budding business
A Cape Breton man is channeling his love of gardening into a budding business, opening a nursery at his home in Albert Bridge, N.S.
Those headed out on the Mira this summer may notice a large sign outside Logan Black’s Hills Road home with the words The Groovy Gardener emblazoned on it.
"My wife actually came up with it (the name Groovy Gardener),” said Black.
“She was joking with friends one time. They said 'You know, he really should be doing this. He's really good at it.' She said 'Well, he is the Groovy Gardener.' It just kind of stuck."
Black has had a green thumb for years. However, when he opened his nursery on June 18, it was the first time his work was available to be purchased.
A snowplow operator by trade, Black earns his income by plowing during the winter.
With a wife and young son, he wanted to make money during the summer and put down some real roots in something he's passionate about.
"I'm a stay-at-home dad,” said Black. “With my wife being teaching, it was kind of a natural progression for me to not sit idle during the summer. So, we just talked about it. Gardening is a true love of mine, so this was just a natural evolution."
Black specializes in perennials, flowers, and some herbs and fruit trees. His goal is to expand as the market allows.
"This time next year we will be massively into our flowers and annuals,” said Black. “We're hoping to have another greenhouse up right away, and have that closed in for next spring. That will just mean more and more."
The Groovy Gardener has only been in business for a short time, but so far, things have been off to a good start.
"The response has been overwhelming,” said Black. “Just the support from the community and the support from surrounding areas. It's just phenomenal."
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people took up gardening. However, Black says the market isn't saturated, if anything, it's growing.
"There's more and more demand for it. People are getting really into gardening at home and providing for their families at home, with the prices of everything," he said.
The Groovy Gardener is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.