CAN (NB): Extreme flood causes plants in nursery to swim

A flood due to heavy rains caused a lot of damage in Southern New Brunswick last week. In this area Scott’s Nursery Ltd is located. The 6-acre greenhouse grows several bedding plants, potted plants, seasonal crops and perennials and more. During the flood some plants were swimming. The water raised in the greenhouse and the shipping docks were blocked by the water.

"This flood season was worse than the last large flood we had about 15 years ago”, says George Scott. "In this area we experience a lot of weather changes. It is these extreme situations that make it hard compensating for. In 1973 we had a flood that was similar to this one. Most years flood season is not an issue. We are conscious about it. There is a flood plan and there are also a lot of drainages. To protect our company, anything we build in recent years we build above the safe levels.”

The worst part is over, according to George. "We have seen the water drop to a safe level and we are now in catch-up mode, trying to make up for the time we lost in shipping and the plants we lost in the water. Also, because we had to move materials quickly, it messed up our tracking.

"We are doing our best to carry on. We hope we don’t experience more heavy rainfall until the area has a chance to dry out. Luckily we have a more dry period now. That stopped the water, and prevented more damage. Therefore we are in full swing now, it feels like spring now."

Despite the bad circumstances, the demand is really good. "We did have a depression, because so many people lost their homes due to high water. But we see they are also anxious to getting the flood behind them. We see people show up in good numbers. Mother’s day for example was a very busy day for us. We were really flat out at that time."

For more information
Scott's Nursery
George Scott
Email: george@scottsnursery.nb.ca
www.scotts-nursery.ca