If you do a Google search for Hickeys Greenhouses in NL, the first thing you’ll see on the company’s home page is Happiness Grows Here. Immediately under that you’ll read, “Serving green thumbs since 1990.”
For over 30 years, Len and Elaine Hickey have poured their hearts and souls into their horticultural business. They’ve also served several thousand customers and have gained their admiration.
In the early years, it wasn’t a bed of roses. Len recalls getting mired down in bureaucratic procedures from various levels of government which required numerous permits and licenses – all costly both timewise and money-wise. “Every time we thought we were on our way, something we hadn’t anticipated would trip us up.” Yet, Len adds that the upside was how everyone eagerly supported them. Residents were happy to see jobs created and to have the means and resources to improve their properties. The community helped the Hickeys keep their dreams alive.
Fast forward to 2005 when the couple expanded their operations to a second location in Conception Bay South (CBS), about 100 km away. The number of hours this couple has spent on the road is legendary. Today, both locations are described as seasonal wonderlands, no matter which season you visit. The company offers a wide variety of products ranging from annuals/perennials, vegetables, herbs and florals to compost/mulch, trees and shrubs. And that’s only part of what’s available to consumers. Gardening accessories, eco-friendly patio furniture, fountains, stoneware, home/garden décor and giftware are also available.
Len and Elaine are big supporters of charities and community events. In addition to cash donations (or contributing products) they also help gardening clubs and share their gardening knowledge with others. As well, they are an equal opportunity employer. One of their longest serving staff has a disability and others are part of the Genesis Employment Corporation, which helps to provide employment for people living with a developmental disability. Currently the Hickeys employ 11-20 staff depending on the season, and a few have been with them for 20 years or more.
A major expansion is on the horizon as Len and Elaine are developing six acres near their CBS location which will include new grow houses. This will not only increase the number of staff but will also bring them into the multimillion-dollar sales bracket resulting in significant economic spinoff in a region strategically focused on strengthening the agricultural sector.
Their plans tick off all the boxes: sustainability, diversity and inclusion, agricultural development and the green economy, innovation, and succession. Part of the expansion will also include educational classes, teaming up with other community groups for charitable events, participating in farmers markets and food drives.
Stepping in to eventually take the reins, is their oldest son Aaron. Although all siblings in the Hickey family played major roles in the business while growing up, Aaron has both the entrepreneurial bug and still has a green thumb. He will continue the family tradition showing what passion and pluck can accomplish in the agricultural sector.