Located on Bute Street (where the rainbow crosswalks crisscross Davie Street at Jim Deva Plaza ), Grow Urban Landscaping and Décor is a brand new boutique garden centre and floral shop which, despite the slow start to spring on the West Coast, is finding its niche in the neighbourhood. Co-owner Trevor Johnston and Jonny Sigouin are dedicated sharing their enthusiasm for exotic and unique botanical treasures with the community.
As a graduate of BCIT’s event management program, Johnson has a background in flower arranging and presentation for weddings and other special events and even works as a set decorator in BC’s burgeoning film industry. Still, he identifies with those without a green thumb who come into the store and confess that they’ve killed every plant they’ve ever tried to grow. “I had troubles successfully growing some plants when I was younger. All plants have different needs.”
Many West End residents are keen to become avid gardeners, even with the limited space of their living area and patios or balconies. Johnson explains, “We can help create a lasting green space based on things like lighting, how much room they have, and even how much time they want to spend taking care of their plant. We love it when people bring in pictures of their patio or their own plants for inspection.”
For novices, Johnson recommends potting a sansevieria, or snake plant. “They’re very attractive when placed in a decorative pot and they don’t need much attention. We also specialize in exotic plants that aren’t native to Canada, such as cacti and succulents.” Gardeners wanting to take on more advanced projects might consider planting vertical “living walls;” one of the newest urban gardening trends. “We currently have an outdoor wooden planter that allows entire pockets of plants to be installed vertically. This beautiful living wall can be installed on your outdoor patio with no drilling into the walls of the building.”
Feeling inspired? Check out GROW’s @grow_vancouver Instagram page or drop on by to talk plants with Trevor and the other staff members at 1209 Bute Street.
Grow Urban Landscaping & Decor
1209 Bute Street, Vancouver, BC,
V6E 2A1
604.565.GROW (4769)
info@growvancouver.com