KISBEY - Linda Hawman is the owner and operator of Linda’s Greenhouse in Kisbey. She started the greenhouse several years ago and loved it. She has met a lot of wonderful people over the years.
Hawman was born and raised in Arcola, where her parents owned several greenhouses, and she worked in them regularly from a youthful age on. It was in her blood to continue this tradition in her family.
She eventually moved to Kisbey, where she would build her first greenhouse. Ron, who has a construction background, helped build the greenhouse from the ground up in his backyard.
Hawman said their season would run from March until July, offering a wide variety of plants including trees and shrubs, perennials, and annuals, along with a broad selection of vegetables. Some of the plants got their start from seed at the greenhouse. Many were ordered as well.
Hawman ordered from Peddle Pushers out of Whitewood. It allowed them to order more and keep shipping costs down, which in turn helped her customers. Last year she employed two people and had volunteers who just loved plants.
This was all good until last year when the carbon tax was increased. The increase really affected her business, and this forced her to raise her prices, and customers were not happy about this. She said she did not have a choice; the tax was on everything from her plants to the soil, and the shipping to her utilities. It was already difficult with all the COVID rules.
Now this year the carbon tax will increase another 25 per cent. Hawman said, “I just cannot do it. I will not make it.”
She stated it will cost her money to stay open. This was to be their retirement plan, and now that dream is shattered.
Hawman had health issues and was in an accident several years ago, so it limits her to what she can do, and the greenhouse was a good plan for her.
Although the doors will remain closed, Hawman will be doing one order from Jefferies Nursery in Alberta. They do not have any fruit trees left but do have several trees and shrubs. It will be a one-time shot, and all orders must be prepaid either through Hawman or the greenhouse. Upon their arrival in Kisbey, Hawman will call everyone and get a date and time set up for pickup.
Hawman said if the carbon tax were removed, she would be open, but she is not holding her breath for that to happen. She went on to say that it’s sad how this is destroying so many small businesses.
She is currently unsure on what her future holds.
