If the winter blahs are getting you down, take a drive to the greenhouse and be immersed in instant spring. Amicis Gardens near Notikewin is the perfect spot for a little R&R—and to start planning your summer garden.
As soon as you walk through the door, you’re greeted by beautiful displays of benches, fountains, garden ornaments, and, of course, lots and lots of potted plants. Unlike many greenhouses, owner Lori Asmussen prefers to display her wares as you might see them in an actual garden—arranged in interesting groupings that encourage lingering instead of rows and rows of flat displays.
Amicis is located just west of the hamlet of Notikewin (seven minutes north of Manning). For almost a decade, Lori, her husband, Dennis Asmussen, and their daughter, Ashley Nichiporik, have been bringing joy to area gardeners and beyond. Wander through their two large greenhouses and outdoor tree lot, breathing in the smell of green, growing things. Pack a lunch and sit in the greenhouse for a picnic long before it’s picnicking weather outdoors.
One of the best ways to enjoy all the greenhouse has to offer is to attend one of their spring Planting Nights. Bring pots from home or buy some there, use their dirt and plants, go through the greenhouse, and fill your pots up. Leave your creations at Amicis until it’s warm enough to put them outside. It’s the perfect way to get a little dirt under your fingernails before the snow melts. Come with your friends or make new ones!
When you pick up your pots, be sure to browse their outdoor tree lot, which is stocked with popular fruiting bushes like raspberries, blueberries, and saskatoons as well as larger trees such as apples, cherries, and grapes rated for the zone. If becoming an orchardist isn’t your thing, you can landscape with birches, aspens, and poplars surrounded by perennial or annual beds. And if you’d rather grow your own food, pick up started corn, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and more.
The gift shop is a calming experience in itself, with relaxing music or a trickling fountain as a backdrop to the tastefully curated displays. There’s a little something for everyone, including kitchen necessities, ladies accessories and skin care (to prevent “gardener’s hands”), crafting supplies (which you can put to use during one of their painting workshops), and décor pieces that lean towards rustic modern farmhouse “with a bit of sparkle.”
In November and December, join a Christmas Greens workshop and make your own Christmas-themed pots while enjoying hot chocolate and apple cider. Take home some delicious chocolatey Moose Fudge Factory fudge for a stocking-stuffer—or a stomach-stuffer.
Whether you’re looking for a way to warm up the still-cold early spring months, beautify your summer yard, or add a little green to break up winter’s grey, Amicis Gardens greenhouse is your mini stay-cation-in-waiting. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to go green!
