I'm sure Taylan is doing his legwork. Perhaps Taylan, you can begin by searching the internet. For example contact members of the BC Landscape and Nursery Assoc. http://www.bclna.com/bclna_membership_join.htm - you can get a list of nurseries operating in the area. You could also go to your University's library to conduct research. All businesses must be registered somewhere, you'd need to locate that information. Under horticulture, landscaper, nurseries, etc.. You can approach your horticultural department to chat with a faculty member. FAculty members often are in close touch with industry and you will find them to be a good source of information. I would also suggest having a better understanding of container gardening. Small scale to large scale. Most products used in balconies and elsehwere are labeled and branded. Look for those brands and start contacting their manufacturers/suppliers. If there are garden shows or any garden clubs active in BC, interview the members for tips. Who are the major suppliers of plants and flowers in BC area? Tip -- start w/ the yellow pages/ start w/ checking your local stores especially nurseries. Check the labels of plants. Often plant labels bear the names of the suppliers. -Who are the major producers of gardening supplies in BC area? again, start w/ the nurseries and check the brand names of the tools on sale. And you can do internet searches on these things. -What seasonal changes are to watch for in gardening business? Well, to start with lets look into fall season -- you see tulips bulbs and other bulbs being imported from HOlland. These get into the ground in the fall for spring flowers. then during the holidays when you spot poinsettias and amaryllis, paperwhites, lilies being sold off. - meaning some nurseries would have started these plants some months prior. Trees being sold for christmas trees, - meaning check out the tree farms nearby for their cycles of growth & harvest. Then in Spring, just around easter, when you'd be spotting tulip flowering early sold off in pots -- meaning some nurseries would have forced early flowering for these bulbs. Then comes all the perennial and annual plants for planting. People have from Late spring to early sept. to beging planting. And not just planting -- ou have the fertilizer suppliers, the suppliers of compost, soil. Then the people who sell gardenign services. Then the garden ornaments. etc... So from late spring through summer gardening is really hot. -What sort of facilities would be required to grow and store the plants? A very complex question - each plant takes different care. Best discuss with nurseries - there are many nurseries that will actually do some sort of tour of their processes. Do check the yellow pages. -What sort of human resources would be needed to operate such facilities? Check nursery operations first. So that should give you enough tips to start your project. Good luck. I'm frankly surprised you hadn't mentioned approaching any horticultural department. Doesn't UBC have one or the equivalent?

Sorry, I haven't posted an update yet, so much to do around here. I haven't even been online much. Can you believe that? I have so many threads I STILL need to catch up on. Nichol, I understand completely! I have those moments a lot myself and your right the lightbulb story was a way better reason lol. I have broken one of those too, many times I have learned to hold my breathe and not suck in any of that stuff that comes out of them! Ok, well, I am headed off to bed. Much to do tomorrow. I will try my best to get this update posted tomorrow. G'night all. :) Fran

Hi Andrew Fergus is a small town located in southwestern Ontario. The manufacturer is discussed in this old article: http://www.lib.uwo.ca/programs/companyinformationcanada/beattybros.html You could try calling the local library in Fergus to see if they have a copy of the manual Sit Down in Comfort Iron in Style or try a local appliance repair place in Fergus. The company would have been a big deal in the small town so you may find someone locally who can help you.

Oh Lydia I think what you're doing is wonderful. I am not sure the people in my DSIL Steve's life knew what a blessing they were to DD and Steve. I think you're doing fine, just be there, help with what you can and listen and pray with her!! Sending my best to your friend and lots of hugs for you both.