Figaro’s Garden

Lots of cute plants for your garden — whether inside or outside. The staff are knowledgeable. I was asking about succulents for my new terrariums, and they told me that succulents aren’t that ideal for terrariums, and that air plants were more suitable. My fault for not doing some research prior to buying, but I’m glad they told me before I made the wrong purchase! I would have ended up killing the succulents! They sell organic seeds. Their prices are a bit higher, but you’re getting good quality for them.

We stopped in today so my wife could pick up some stuff to make a terrarium. Aside from the fact they have the world’s largest/​most adorable cat, these people are lovely! They gave us lots of good advice and didn’t try and sell us on anything. They have some really cool things in here too and some stuff that would make good gifts. Highly recommend!

Awesome place — love the owners

I found this place completely by accidentally. In fact the best discoveries are the ones that I make while getting lost and this place was one of them. It’s a bit hidden away in an unassuming residential area. It’s a very nice and homely plant and garden store that makes anyone coming from a rainy day like this feel more sunny inside. Great customer service.

Awesome store with knowledgeable staff. Got some lovely air plants, I love them!

I love this little garden store. They have veggie and flower starters that the big guys don’t have. You have to pay more — no question — but it’s not a lot more and the plants are in much better shape than at Home Depot/​Choices/​Superstore etc. etc. I feel the stress levels going down just being in the place.

I need them… my thumb is brown.
So I was driving by on my way to grocery shopping on the Drive when I thought… instead of buying a bunch of mint, I should get a plant. Oddly enough, this place was empty. I kind of thought they were closed… the lady behind the counter looked very lonesome…
I ended up getting my mint plant for 50% off because they are having a sale. A plant for $ 2.23, SOLD! I also feel a little less bad since I know this plant is probably just going to die anyhow. As I was paying for my mojito mint, I was given some great hints by the workerbee. She told me to pinch if off at something or other and it would become bushier… she also told me that you have to pinch off the flowers. Mint has flowers? This poor plant is going to die…

In a time not to long ago in a place not too far away, I lived on a farm. Yes, I am a farmer’s daughter (save your jokes for later, please). My summers were spent begging my dad to try driving the tractor (to this day, I still never have), gathering fresh veggies from the garden with my mum (nothing tastes like a garden carrot rinsed with water from the hose), planting seeds and watching them grow with my gran, collecting freckles while watching my grandpa and dad fix this machine or that. Later in life, that connection to my food followed me to what I thought would be my career — I became a cook. I had dreams of my own garden, my own kitchen, my own space to feed my friends (and, for the record, every mouth that tasted my food would automatically become a friend).
Fast forward X number of years and I am no longer on the fast track to becoming a chef, but am on my way back to the space I once imagined my future to hold. The tipping point on the decision to sign my current lease was a scraggly rooftop garden plot. All for me. I now have the ability to grow my own veggies.
Enter Figaro’s. An enchanting and intimate garden centre offering gorgeous vegetable starters, seeds, and an abundance of information — all in an incredibly magical little shop. The staff are more than helpful with tips on what to grow when, and how much space each little plant will need. Also, bonus: most of the starters here have been organically grown on Figaro’s farm on Galiano Island. How much more local can you get?
So here I am, growing my own food, supporting our own economy, and kind of almost living the dream I once had years ago… all thanks in part to Figaro’s.

Oh the magic of Figaro’s Garden. I must admit I don’t actually come here for the plants. Well I think I have bought a few for gifts, but that is all. I come here in December when the shop changes overnight into a Christmas paradise. They decorate it so beautifully and as soon as I walk by and look through the window I am filled with the Christmas spirit. Once I’m inside I have to be careful not to spend too much money. They have an amazing assortment of high quality Christmas decorations from German blown glass ornaments, wreaths, local lights, and solid cast iron tree stands. You can even buy your tree here if you go around back. After Christmas I always make sure to drop by an check out the sale.

Yes, this place is adorable … but just like last year, I struggle with a lack of gardening helpfulness at these small shops and I encounter a bit more gardening attitude than I would prefer.
Case in point … I called a few weeks ago and asked when they were getting their seedlings in … they said the end of the month … it’s the end of the month, so I make a special trip … and they don’t have a lot yet and they don’t know when the rest is coming. And, they tell me, with condescension, that it might freeze still — which is true, but that’s my risk to consciously take if I want … and I want to take that risk. I am a risk-​taker! Really, really! I will not blame you if my plants turn into popsicles! I will just buy more plants from you! It’s in your best interest!
And, then, they repeatedly try to get me to start from seeds. You know, if I wanted to start from seeds I’d have bought online and I’d have started them already. And, come on, really … I’ve explained that I live downtown … you think I’ve got the space to start seeds indoors like you’re suggesting? Really?
But, when I call Home Depot (granted, after battling the phone tree to get to the garden center) they tell me to the week when things are due to arrive, and when I go, I can’t get the grannies from Richmond to *stop* talking about the particular joys and challenges of growing lettuce in Vancouver.
That’s all I want, some fresh lettuce, growing on my porch with a few heirloom tomatoes… why is that so hard?

Such a cute shop. It looks small from the outside, but it’s packed full of beautiful plants. Good selection of herbs and loads of help. I was having trouble with pests in my garden and these guys helped me out. They also carry unusual plants, which is a bonus. Easy to park.