Cole’s is located within our city limits at 345 Oldfield Road. It is a little gem of a greenhouse. It is a thriving business for plants of all kinds.

This is a family operated business. A family of three… Kirk, dad and school bus driver, mom Tracy and their 10 year old son Cole have created this nursery. You might be familiar with the Shea family as they participate at the Water Street Farmers Market most Saturdays during gardening season.

The nursery developed out of this family’s love of farming. In the beginning, this little farm was created through a love story. Two people fell in love and she had a horse. A piece of land was secured with a little house and a barn was built. Their love of agriculture led to them working side by side and increasing their flock to include horses, beef cattle, turkeys, chickens, and a jersey cow. Pretty much anything that had fur or feathers.

Ten years ago their son was added. Cole inherited his parent’s love of farming and naturally became the CEO.

Around the same time, Kirk was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting his spinal cord, central nervous system and muscles. The disease has impacted his ability to walk. He relies on a

cane or two and a battery operated scooter for his mobility. His most trusty mode of transportation is a 1971 Massey Ferguson tractor, bought second hand from his neighbors.

When Kirk was no longer able to work as a school bus driver, the family decided to expand their love of farming and build a greenhouse.

The initial greenhouse structure was made of wood and rafters bought on kijiji. Covered in proper greenhouse plastic, it was erected on a cold April morning with the help of friends. These folks have been constant and faithful in their support that is reminiscent of a time long ago when neighbors helped each other.

The greenhouse had a wood stove the first year so needless to say Kirk didn’t get much sleep as it had to be tended to every three hours. Tracy found him nestled in the straw on the floor of the greenhouse fast asleep one night. When she questioned him later the next day she reminded him that she woke and was worried that something had happened to him. He responded by saying that it took him so long to get there he might as well stay. The young flowers had a great farmer who really wanted them to live that first year.

They started growing perennials, annuals and vegetable plants. They attended the Water Street Farmers Market that first year and had lots of encouragement. They supplied the Miramichi Feeds Inc. with their vegetable and annual plants each spring as well. They took a leap of faith and built a larger greenhouse with indoor plumbing and electricity. The improvements include a wood and an oil furnace for the cool days and nights. Once again friends showed up on a late December Sunday morning and the plastic went on. The greenhouse is now in its fourth year of operation.

April and May are very pleasant times to visit as it is still a comfortable temperature inside the greenhouse and they are busy nurturing their seedlings. Tracy will have seedlings she has started herself from seed and kept in the basement. They are kept under grow lights until they can be transferred to the greenhouse. Driving by their house may lead you to wonder if something else is growing as there is a bright light glow from the basement!

Kirk, Tracy and Cole have a good working knowledge of growing beautiful strong healthy plants that get rave reviews into October.

This year with a good dose of optimism there will be approximately 16,000 flowering annuals, vegetable plants, herbs, and perennials. A few shrubs, soil and organic amendments, garden themed accessories, OSC Seeds and gift certificates just in time for Mother’s Day. Tracy is in charge of the ordering. She researches carefully new varieties of plants finding out their faults and advantages. For example if a plant is drought tolerant, no pruning, has miniature qualities, the leaves are variegated or are a re-bloomer, these plants are a must have for gardeners. We always joke that she is always able to find the unusual, she found Kirk…

Spring is just around the corner folks and a terrific spring event happens at the greenhouse. It’s a Pot Party! One can come to the greenhouse with empty pots in hand to be filled with beautiful rich soil and browse the lovely blooms all the while sipping punch. You can be chatting with excited guests getting ready to plant or have their pots planted for them. Our visiting plant maven, Jennifer Quinn, is present to help choose your winning combination of flowers so you can be the envy of

all your neighbors! Her expert advice and keen eye will amaze you as you enjoy your personal creations you purchased at the “Pot Party”.

So be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming dates or grab your friends and book your own party. Non gardeners are welcome as well, they like to chat with Kirk about his old tractor, Belgium horses, sawmill, how to get your power saw running smoothly, what if your chickens aren’t laying eggs like they used to or just the type of weather we are having. It is fun for everyone! The Shea family enjoy fellow gardeners and being helpful. At the end of your evening your lovely pots are carried to your vehicle for you, enhancing the personal service one can expect from Cole’s Garden Patch.

Also at Cole’s Garden Patch they have air plants and the largest selection of succulent plants on the River. Succulents are the “new” old plants to hit the plant world and are sun loving and drought tolerant.

Starting this spring, drop into Cole’s Garden Patch at 345 Oldfield Road. At the greenhouse they accept debit, credit card and cash for your convenience.

They welcome questions and will provide helpful pointers on all things growing. You may contact them by phoning 506- 773- 4929, find them on Facebook or send an email to colesgardenpatch@outlook.com