It’s not a trick, as the garden portion of Sandpiper Gardens & Glass officially closed on Halloween.
Customers are mourning the loss of one of Chemainus’ best-known and successful businesses, as owner Gunnell Borge decided to treat herself to a better balance in life. Husband Scott Borge and son-in-law Damen Caskey are continuing to operate the glass section of the business as before.
Gunnell’s taking the time to slow down, but falling short of calling it a retirement.
There’s still an opportunity for folks to pick up some remaining items, but from the back of the property rather than the side that served as the business entrance.
“We’ve got lots of indoor pots and soils and indoor forcing bulbs, some gift ware left,” Gunnell said.
There’s also odds and ends of plants in the outdoor clearance area.
Gunnell said she’s feeling good about carrying through with plans to cut back at the end of October that were made public in late August. There’s been little time to transform the area back into their own household garden since they aren’t selling the property, but it’s a work in progress.
Related story: End of October the end of the line for garden portion of Sandpiper Gardens & Glass
It will also be an area where occasional workshops will be conducted as Gunnell and daughter Mieka Caskey have plans for filling the garden void this fall and into 2022.
“We are just updating our web page and we will be having some winter greens workshops coming up later in late November or early December, or people can email in and we can give them an update on upcoming workshops,” explained Gunnell.
They’re open for remaining items and the glass business Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed on holidays and weekends. The family dog will provide an appropriate greeting.
“Meadow misses everybody so come in and see her,” chuckled Gunnell.
As much as it’s been an upheaval from everyday life for so long, “I’m actually quite fine,” she added.
“The glass guys are going strong.”
“We have been busy to a point,” said Scott. “But it’s been challenging because of the shortage of the supply chain.”
The Borges bought the property in 2003 and started the garden shop and glass business there a year later.
