Our history is defined by our actions and interactions with those around us. If not for the people we know, we would never be where we are today.
Albert was the neighbourhood carpenter, but still helped out in the greenhouse from time to time. Circa 1979.
Alf was the "fix it man" who always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Circa 2006
Claudia (right) and her two children Peter and Debbie along with Peggy, our lifetime head grower.
Claudia showing off her strawberry crop. Circa 1982.
Claudia with her daughter Debbie, and Sandy the dog in the flowers. Circa 1973
George and Claudia posing together for Christmas in 1982.
George grew the berries, Claudia took care of the harvest. She was so proud of the berry field.
Overlooking the farm and taking a break, Claudia sits on a wagon with Catherine, who helped look after the kids on the busy farm. A shy Peter hides from the camera.
Dan and Peter met in elementary school and eventually worked with the family, and became part of the family. He passed away far too young from brain cancer.
We used to joke that every kid in Richmond had their first job at Richmond Nursery. Everybody was welcome, and everybody treated equal. When planting young plants, or harvesting fruit, you were paid per-plant, or per basket. Circa 1979.
George and Claudia always visited other nurseries to see how people did things and how things grew, even with a newborn in the stroller. Circa 1972.
It wasn't all about business. Tony met George at the Central Experimental Farm, and helped out in the greenhouse after his retirement. George let him use a small plot of land in his back yard for his vegetable garden right up until his death. He was affectionately known as "Grandpa Moses."
Unlike modern businesses, at Richmond Nursery we've had many people choose us as their lifestyle. Both Harold and Terry worked with us for decades, up until their retirement years.
We used to chide that the nursery was Janet's (left) first home, rather than second. She was part of the family through her battle with breast cancer until her retirement.
Janet used to get a head-start on the day coming in as early as 5am to make sure everything was watered. Circa 1982
From far and wide, family helped. Claudia's mother came from Austria to help take care of the children as the business grew. Circa 1979
Furry friends were never excluded from the mix. Muir and his dog with Peggy and Claudia. Circa 1982
Peggy started with Richmond Nursery straight out of Algonquin College. 2024 will mark her retirement year spending the entirety of her working career with us. Circa 1982
There's nothing nicer than growing up with plants. You don't really appreciate that until you get older. Circa 1978
A young Peter and Debbie covering the corn stand. Circa 1980