Agriculture and Forestry minister Eric Hammill announced in the Legislature on Wednesday that, as part of the department's review of existing programs and services, retail operations at the Bunbury Nursery have been closed effective April 1. The department will continue to provide advisory services to the public and produce more native and locally-grown stock for wholesale distribution through retail nurseries across the province.
"The closure of the Bunbury Nursery has been brought about in part as a result of the expanding capacity of private retail operations and landscapers, along with the need to refocus the Nursery's other services to meet the changing needs of Island gardeners and communities," said Mr. Hammill. "Many of the services currently offered by the Nursery's dedicated professional staff will now be available through the J. Frank Gaudet Tree Nursery."
The Bunbury Nursery was established in 1947 with support from the R.L. Cotton Trust to encourage rural and urban beautification projects.
In paying tribute to the role of the Nursery, Mr. Hammill said that "The quality of our Island landscape and the pride that people take in beautifying their properties is a testament to the contributions made by the Bunbury Nursery over the past 50 years."
Mr. Hammill noted that the landscaping needs of Islanders and communities has changed over that time, and he expressed confidence that private retail nurseries and landscapers are able to to meet those needs. In addition, he said that Nursery staff will continue to offer workshops in cooperation with retail nursery outlets, and through special classes and field days. Staff will also be available to conduct on-site evaluations with Island communities.
"We intend to continue the Forestry Division's longstanding tradition of offering quality landscape and horticultural advice from the J. Frank Gaudet Tree Nursery location," said Mr. Hammill.