Rainy July Disrupts Landscaping Projects but Boosts Garden Centres

July 2023 has brought significant rainfall to Calgary, creating challenges for landscaping businesses while providing unexpected benefits for local garden centres. The city has experienced an unusual amount of precipitation this month, surpassing the average rainfall of 65.7 mm with current totals reaching 99.4 mm. This shift from the region’s typical dry summer conditions is reshaping operational dynamics for businesses in the area.

Garden Centres Thrive Amid Increased Rainfall

For garden centres like Cobblestone Garden Centre, the wet weather has been a welcome development. According to owner Tricia Katelnikoff, the rain reduces the need for manual watering of outdoor plants, allowing staff to focus on other aspects of plant care. “It’s going to help replenish the water table, all the reservoirs and wetlands,” Katelnikoff said. Her centre benefits from a pond that collects rainwater, which has filled to levels not seen in years.

The increased rainfall has also had a positive impact on product quality. “This rain helps to fill the pond up,” Katelnikoff noted, emphasizing the environmental benefits and the reduced workload for her staff. Similarly, Brad Hitchings, manager of Greengate Garden Centre, highlighted the advantages for their outdoor tree and shrub sales. “When you get good douses, then the tree lot is good for a couple of days,” Hitchings explained. “It saved on labour and water.”

Landscaping Projects Face Delays and Losses

Conversely, landscaping companies are grappling with the implications of the persistent rain. Nam Vu, owner of Day 1 Landscaping, expressed frustration over project delays due to the weather. “For landscaping, this is seasonal. So if you lose two weeks in the summer, that’s a lot,” he stated. Vu noted that he has managed to complete only half the usual amount of work this year.

The impact of the rain has also led to uncertainty in scheduling for landscaping projects. Satwinder Singh, who runs Great North Landscaping & Construction Ltd., reported that nearly every day this month has seen disruptions. Customers typically book services a couple of months in advance, but the wet conditions have made it challenging to fulfill commitments. “If the wet weather were to continue, it would mean no business, zero income,” Singh added.

As the month progresses, businesses in Calgary are left to navigate the contrasting effects of unusual weather patterns. While garden centres benefit from the much-needed rainfall, landscaping companies face a precarious situation, reliant on the return of more stable conditions to regain momentum. The situation serves as a reminder of how weather can profoundly impact local economies and the operations of small businesses.