BRAGG CREEK— More people have been spending an increased amount of time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the change of pace is encouraging them to explore ways to make their yard the perfect hang-out space.
Lowell Harder, owner of Harder and Sons, said he has seen trends in spring yard projects largely being driven by people spending more time at home during the pandemic.
“They’re tired of being in their house,” Harder said with a chuckle. “They can work outside or have people outside to visit.”
People are exploring new and unique ways to create additional living space on their property.
This includes creating better and more personal patios to lounge in and experience the great outdoors. Harder said he has seen a focus placed on creating a space that is different from inside the home.
There has been a growing interest in people developing gardens focussed on growing food. While food security was already growing in popularity, Harder said, this trend has been heightened by COVID-19.
“People are wanting to have gardens and garden boxes,” Harder said. “People are thinking about their possibilities when it comes to growing their own food.”
Supporting the local ecosystem is becoming increasingly important for clients, Harder added, explaining he is starting to see more people concerned about supporting local pollinators and creating a landscape that helps them thrive.
These spaces involved planting Alberta foliage and ground covers that will flower for pollinators.
Harder said he is anticipating a busy summer, especially as people's interest in their outside spaces is exponentially growing.
There is more of a desire to have that additional space outside, Harder said, and this is driving the market.
The short growing season in the Cochrane area adds to the urgency some may feel to get the plants and supplies they need to create a garden oasis.
Last year proved challenging from a supply chain perspective, he said, because the intense demand made it logistically difficult when it comes to securing some of the requested items.
He added suppliers are more prepared in comparison to 2020, but a shortage in some products is expected again this year especially when it came to plants.
“You can’t instantly grow trees. It takes a while for a tree to grow into a certain size,” Harder said. “It takes a couple of years of lead time.”
He has already noticed some plant species are more difficult to find as Harder and Sons have begun to pre-order supplies.
When a client starts a project Harder and Sons will go through a series of questions with clients. Some clients come to the table prepared with pictures and ideas while others are looking for help and creativity from Harder and Sons.
Harder will work to create a space based on the look clients desire and provide suggestions for projects based on the ideas clients provide.
Harder and Sons serve the Foothills area including Cochrane, Bragg Creek and Springbank.
“Its fun being able to work with the dirt, ground and earth,” Harder said. “We’re working with environments and creating living spaces.”
