For Rob Gemmell and his mother Liz, 2007 marks a special celebration - 75 years of growing for you. Three generations of the Gemmell family have been providing Smiths Falls and area residents with premium quality plants, and knowledge they can rely on. As Rob and Liz look to the future for Gemmell's Garden Centre, located 2 miles north of Smiths Falls on Hwy. 15, they fondly recall the past.

More than 75 years ago, Donald Gemmell, Rob's grandpa, first began selling flowers, fruits and vegetables at the same location where Gemmell's Garden Centre is now located. A small roadside stand and a honey house were built and from this, his cut gladiolus, raspberries, strawberries and honey were sold. He soon became well known for excellent quality plants and his passion for growing all things, particularly his beloved pansies.

In 1932, greenhouses were built at 32 Church St. W. in Smiths Falls, next to the family home. Donald, along with wife Lillian, and Sister Eva Beach provided service with an extra touch for all. Some readers will no doubt recall their childhood days spent anxiously awaiting that finally ripe banana, fresh from the greenhouse.

Donald and Lillian soon had more than plants growing in the greenhouses. Three sons, Ron, Ralph and Carlisle helped out from an early age. Liz recalls how girlfriends were always welcomed too, especially if they were as eager to learn as she was. And learn she did! "To this day I still make bows the way Grandpa taught me", Liz says with a smile.

The business grew once again in 1967 with a move back to the present highway location, where several greenhouses were constructed. Donald and his three sons (Ralph then becoming primary grower), operated Gemmell's Sunnydale Gardens.

Liz recalls how she and Ralph watched as their young sons, Robert and David, loved to work with Grandpa, snapdragons being a particular favourite. Rob was smitten with the bug to grow them, and David's interests lay in the mechanics of making it happen.

In 1972, Wiesia Czuprys was hired to help out with the seeding, transplanting and watering, and what a dedicated employee and friend she became. "She's still with us to this day!" says Liz.

Sadly in 1979, just shy of his 72nd birthday, Mr. Gemmell passed away after suffering cardiac arrest at the Garden Centre doing what he loved – checking his pansies. This event became a major turning point in the family business and in 1982 the business was split into Gemmell's Flowers Ltd., owned and operated by Ron & Janice Gemmell, and Gemmell's Garden Centre Inc., owned and operated by Ralph & Liz Gemmell.

Rob became an active partner with Liz in 1987 after completing a 2 year Horticultural and Landscaping Technician course at Algonquin College in Ottawa. "Over the years, we've made many improvements, adding greenhouses and staying current with the trends to better serve our customers", says Rob.

"We have tremendous response to our educational seminars and fun hands-on workshops. We're always adding new ones, often with guest speakers, in response to customer requests", states Rob. Shade garden design, vegetable gardening and building a pondless waterfall are just a few of the upcoming workshops. Click here to view the spring 2007 workshop schedule.

At the May 5th Open House, customers can check out the newly redesigned and expanded nursery, with a better than ever selection of trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials complete with displays to inspire any gardener.

A container planting area for customer use has been added inside the greenhouse. Rob says, "We're always looking for ways to give customers added value, and now they can create their own custom containers on site, using everything we have to offer or watch our staff customize the perfect container for you."

This year the Garden Centre is in full swing with another season of providing beautiful, breathtaking plants in a tranquil and inspiring environment to warm the heart, soul and mind. Rob has taken over the reins allowing Liz to semi-retire, while David is always on standby for any motor related emergencies. And the fourth generation of little Gemmells is already getting their hands into the dirt.

Rob and Liz would like to thank their customers, old and new, for 75 years of loyal support. Victoria Day weekend, May 19 to 21, they'll be doing just that! Join them at Gemmell's Garden Centre as they celebrate with super specials, draws and more.

"We look forward to many more years of growing for, and with, our valued customers", say Rob and Liz.