There is one thing that has never changed in the 25 years that Pat Krauss has been running “Pat’s Posies”: “It’s always been a happy place,” she says. “It’s such a great atmosphere. People come in and see all the colours and they just feel so good. Everyone is excited when they are planning their gardens, whether it’s just one pot or several flower beds.”
Pat’s Posies began in 1996 and has been open for business at several locations in Assiniboia, but for the past 17 years it has been across from Harvey’s Home Hardware. “The people of the South country are so supportive. A lot of them have been with me from day one. I see them every year. Everyone comes - ladies, men, and now lots of young women are coming in with their children.”
Pat’s personalized service is another thing everyone can count on at Pat’s Posies. “We will help you plan a pot for whatever location it’s going to be in - whether the sun or shade. We offer a lot of knowledge about which plants will work in various areas of your yard. We always stress that potting soil is important, along with fertilizer. People come all the time who have bought the self-watering pots and they ask for help in planning their layout.”
And one more element that has never changed over Pat’s 25 years is the predictably unpredictable Saskatchewan weather! “It’s a quick season from start to finish in 7 weeks, but we’ve seen everything imaginable from blizzards and snow banks to hail, high winds, and frost. One morning we arrived at the greens house to see a huge snowdrift half way up the door,” says Pat. “We had to shovel our way in to the building.”
If anyone wants to know what the Spring weather might have been over the past 25 years, Pat has kept track. She has always written jot notes every day such as, hot, hot, hot, orwindy and rainy, and of course Snow!
In spite of the weather, Pat does not plan to slow down just yet. “I’m going to continue running the greenhouse as long as I can. It’s always been successful, and I love it. I’m so excited to open up this year again. Once the greenhouse is clean and ready, we can’t wait for the first shipment of plants. It’s always amazing to see the empty building transform into a living, blooming display, and it instantly has that fresh scent. We always look forward to that.”
The greenhouse is a place where people come back to life after a cold, harsh winter. “I have customers that come with their family just to enjoy the bursts of colour. It’s their outing. Many customers will purchase gift certificates for their mothers. We sell tons of those. The ladies love them because they can come and choose whichever colours and plants they want.”
Some flowers will always be popular, says Pat, especially the petunias. “Shades of pink are customer favourites. I really love other flowers in oranges and purples, and the textured grasses. Another trend we’re seeing is heritage plants such as a bleeding heart. It’s been around for decades and some customers like to plant it because it brings back memories of their parents or grandparents. Flowers have a way of keeping history and family ties alive. “
Whatever their reason to stop in at Pat’s Posies, there’s always new life, and sound advice. And even if there is a blizzard in May, there will always be drifts of colour and waves of joy inside Pat’s Posies.
