Swan Lake Nurseryland has been a staple for North Okanagan families, supporting North Okanagan farmers, since 1959.
“Dad and mom started it in the late ’50s and my brother in law and sister were with them. And then I joined a few years later. I was probably around 25,” said Mike Kowaluk, 86, sitting in the old lunch room that used to be reserved for tour bus drivers.
When the fruit market and garden centre first started it was a seasonal operation, and several factors have led the business to the decision to once again close for the winter in its sixth decade.
“Obviously the demand for gardening drops in the winter and supply of local produce diminishes over time,” said Kirk Hughes, Kowaluk’s son/third generation employee. “With increased competition and all the different options offered to shoppers these days we have been finding that winter revenues have been declining and costs increasing. We have chosen to return to our roots so to speak and really focus our attention on our strengths.”
