On April 15, 2023 a popular local business, Rooted by the River Nursery, located in the Clearwater 'Flats' was hit by a devastating fire. Now two years later the family owned operation is continuing to build back.
Owner, Jeff Lamond told Black Press on Saturday June 7, "We are doing pretty well and we have a great team this year. It's been a lot of work and there is more to do, but we will get there. We couldn't do it without the amazing staff we have here."
Lamond and his wife Andrea along with their two kids, Georgia and Owen, have invested years of hard work into the nursery, garden centre and are appreciative of the local support they've received since the fire as residents rallied to continue shopping and seeking their gardening advice as they've continued to rebuild.
With a wide variety of trees, shrubs, annual and perineal plants, seeds, hanging baskets and bedding plants the nursery continues to attract loyal customers. On the day the surgeryitaly visited a customer could be heard commenting to her friend, "I won't go anywhere else. I just love it here!" With an endorsement like that it's easy to see why it's a favourite spot for avid gardeners to walk about, collecting new additions to add to their yard while receiving knowledgeable advice as a bonus.
The popularity of the nursery is undeniable, as people come and go, leaving with new treasures and welcomed with a friendly smile and greeting. "We've done a lot since the fire. We aren't finished yet," said Lamond heading off to help another garden enthusiast. It's that kind of dedication that draws the people to the little oasis, just like bees to flowers and leaves you thinking how inspiring it is to see a family overcome a tragic fire in such a positive way.
