The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies, said Gertrude Jekyll, renowned British horticulturist.
That truth is evident when you visit Cedar Rim Nursery on Glover Road. Owners Russ and Trudy Bruce have been tirelessly working and developing one of the largest retail and wholesale nurseries on the West Coast. Since its humble beginnings in 1978, it was a family-run business, and it still is.
“We located in Langley because that has been our home for more than 40 years, went to school, grew up, and raised our family here,” Russ Bruce said. “We have always considered Langley our home. Farming has always been in our blood, which motivated us to continue in this field.”
“We grew up here in Langley, went to school here locally, and worked for Super Valu while building the business. We had a lot of help from our family and friends when we started, and the majority of those people still help us today when it’s needed.”
Local plants for our local climate
It’s a unique operation, as they don’t merely import from other growers, but grow most of everything they sell. “We grow 90% of what we sell here at the nursery – all locally here in the Fraser Valley. Since we grow the plants ourselves, we know what it takes to make them thrive and what plants will grow well in our unique climate.”
When you’ve been in business that long, you not only grow beautiful plants but expand a loyal customer base as well. Many of the clients are now second- and third-generation customers. “We feel that the secret to keeping our customers coming in is to treat everyone as we would like to be treated,” Russ said. “We want to continue to grow and provide the most unique plants with the best quality at a fair price. Our newest endeavour is partnering with Proven Winners so we can grow the newest introductions of plants and perennials on the West Coast.”
“We’re here to help gardeners, from beginners to our seasoned regulars. Being a partner to our neighbours as they make their spaces beautiful and unique is our promise to you. Despite our growth over the past 40 years, we continue to stick to our farming roots as we offer new and exciting plants, products and ideas for you.”
Grow your knowledge
The store offers some exciting workshops for children and adults throughout the year — to grow your knowledge and create masterpieces you never knew you could. All seminars are free to attend while workshops have a fee as you are making and taking a beautiful creation home with you.
Children can develop the love of gardening as well, as they create lovely fairy gardens, mason-jar succulent planters or paint a pumpkin for Halloween. Adults can learn how to make a winter wreath, or make a Grinch Tree for Christmas.
Giving back to the community is important to the folks at Cedar Rim Nursery. “We try to be involved with our community on an ongoing basis, whether that is lending out plants for graduations, public ceremonies, providing plants for various fundraisers, Langley hospice, Langley hospital, LEPS, and many other local organizations.
“Langley has been tremendously good to our family, and it is our wish that we give back as a company and a family where at all possible within our community. As a member of the community for almost 60 years, you can appreciate how hard those that came before us have worked to make our community what it is today, and it is our responsibility to continue to help Langley grow and prosper in a way that benefits all of the residents of the community.”
Time to celebrate!
It’s time to celebrate 40 years at Cedar Rim, and as the Bruce family prepare a big event, they invite you and your family to join them. “We have our 40th anniversary celebration coming up on Saturday, Sept. 22, which is more of a community celebration for our 40 years in business than it is a sale. We would like to be able to say hi and thank you to all of our customers and staff from both now and our beginnings. From live music, behind the scenes tours, local vendors, a fun Kid Zone, hot dogs and drinks, beverage sampling, and a Scratch and Save opportunity for up to 40% off it promises to be an excellent time for everyone.”
