These enthusiasts have sourced more than $100K worth of rare plants
Some Edmonton plant enthusiasts are joining together to purchase rare plants from around the world.
‘Edmonton Plant Group Orders’ is a Facebook group that began when plant hobbyist Bonnie McRobb made an order for 100 plants.
“It was just going to be a temporary group and I guess everybody wanted more afterwards,” said McRobb.
The group started in February and quickly became busy and permanent. They support their passion for plants by making bulk international orders on unique types that would otherwise come with a hefty price tag.
“We can’t keep up with our hobby especially on rare plants if we go to the local stores and they’re $200-$300. If we import plants from Indonesia they’re $30,” McRobb said.
The group has imported plants of all patterns, shapes, and sizes from places such as Indonesia, Ecuador and Thailand.
With plants coming overseas, McRobb says exporters must provide certification that the plants are free of disease and pests. Importers also must have a permit in order to pick the plants up directly from Canadian Border Services.
“Sometimes the Canadian Food Inspection Agency wants to inspect them and to make sure they’re all legal plants,” said McRobb.
Not all plants purchased by Edmonton Plant Group Orders are sourced beyond the border. They’ve also ordered plants from Canada and even sometimes local sellers who offer wholesale deals.
McRobb says local plant stores are welcome to join the online group if they’re looking to get in on the purchases.
“If you’re a store and you have a discount you can offer for wholesale prices you’re welcome to come in and offer that to us ‘cause we love deals.”
So far, the group has already spent around $100,000 on plants imported from outside of Canada. Some members have found a way to earn cash by reselling their plants and clippings, while others are content just keeping their collection to themselves.
“Some people spend their money on purses or shoes or whatever, but we spend our money on plants,” said McRobb.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
These snakes not only fake their own deaths, they use gory special effects to do it
Awards season may be over for human actors this year, but there’s no rest for some of nature’s most audacious thespians.