Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Garden Center in Sherwood Park | South Cooking Lake Greenhouses
Established in 1958 by Ernst and Else Wanke, South Cooking Lake Greenhouses has grown into one of the largest garden centers in the region while maintaining a family-owned ethos. Our 30,000 sq. ft. growing space allows us to cultivate over 90% of our own plants, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, and specialty plants like rhubarb and strawberries. We combine decades of horticultural expertise with personalized service, offering both individual plants and bulk 6-packs. Our commitment to quality extends to our soil blends, fertilizers, and gardening tools sourced from Western Canadian businesses. The third-generation family operation ensures continuity in our passion for plant cultivation and customer care.We specialize in contract growing for municipal and private landscaping projects, serving clients from Strathcona County to Fort McMurray. Our staff's dual expertise in plant care and sales provides customers with comprehensive gardening knowledge. We support local artisans by showcasing their crafts and garden decor. Operating seasonally from April to July, we maintain flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules. Our parking solutions and organized layout ensure a stress-free shopping experience even during peak seasons. We prioritize transparency in pricing and communication, offering e-transfer options for gift certificates during off-peak periods.
Services
Plant Sales
Gardening Supplies
Contract Growing
Soil Blends
Landscape Materials
Local Crafts
Vegetable Starts
Hanging Baskets
Fertilizers
Pest Control
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1958 with three generations of horticultural expertise
- Grow 90% of our own plants using proprietary soil blends
- Staff trained in both plant cultivation and customer service
- Support local economy by sourcing products from Western Canadian businesses
- Specialized contract growing for municipal and private landscaping projects
What people say
Huge plant selection
Knowledgeable staff
Great prices
Family-friendly
Quality soil blends
Services
Plant Sales
We offer a comprehensive selection of plants grown on-site including annuals, perennials, vegetables, and specialty plants. Our inventory features both individual plants and bulk 6-packs. All plants are cultivated using our proprietary soil blend to ensure quality and vitality.
Gardening Supplies
Our inventory includes premium fertilizers, soil amendments, pest control solutions, and gardening tools. We stock both organic and conventional options including hard-to-find products. All supplies are sourced from Western Canadian businesses to support local economies.
Contract Growing
We provide custom plant production for large-scale landscaping projects. Our clients include municipal governments, private landscaping firms, and commercial property managers. Services include material supply and specialized plant cultivation for beautification projects.
Soil Blends
Our proprietary soil blend combines peat moss, steer manure, and ProMix for optimal plant growth. This same mix is used in our greenhouse operations and is available for retail purchase. The formula supports both container gardening and in-ground applications.
Local Crafts
We showcase handmade garden decor and crafts from Alberta artisans. Products include garden statues, trellises, and decorative accents. This program supports local creators while providing customers with unique outdoor living solutions.
People
Harold Wanke
Owner/Operator
Third-generation greenhouse operator who took over in 1989. Grew up learning horticulture from his parents Ernst and Else Wanke. Oversees all operations and contract growing services.
Questions
When does the greenhouse open for the season?
We typically open in late April each year for the gardening season.
Do you offer delivery services?
Delivery options are available for contract growing clients and bulk orders.
Can I bring my dog to the greenhouse?
For safety and space reasons, we ask that customers leave pets at home.
Do you sell gift certificates?
Yes, we offer e-transfer gift certificates available year-round.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept e-transfers during off-season and multiple payment options during peak season.
Do you grow all your own plants?
We grow over 90% of our inventory including annuals, perennials, and vegetables.
Reviews (7)
Aaron Johansson
Nov 22, 2021
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This is a great local family run greenhouse. The plants are well taken care of and the selection is great. I prefer to source the majority of my annuals from here as opposed to other options nearby.
Sonya G.
Jun 27, 2021
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This is the second year that I have bought annuals from South Cooking Lake Greenhouse. Even though I have visited later in the season, I was able to find a great selection of flowers for our planters. Im happy to able to support such a good local business.
Deborah Harrop
Jun 02, 2021
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Love this greenhouse. Family owned, they grow most of their own stock (others bring in from BC and the stock may not be best for our climate), great healthy plants, amazing prices. I shop here every year for the best plants and flowers.
Gunnar Blodgett
Jun 01, 2021
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Knowledgeable, helpful staff, sizeable greenhouse, good plants and other stock. Worth a visit from the west end.
Kelly Lehman
May 16, 2021
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I love the size and community atmosphere of SCL. This year, I purchased corn that was labelled Bi-Color. I did not realize until I planted it at home that it did not specify the variety, so I called the greenhouse. I discovered that SCL plants two varieties of corn. "Sweetness" is the first type and "Cafe" - both by Verseys. From the Verseys website, I was able to determine the characteristics, including a 68 day growth cycle. It would be helpful to have that information available on either the plant label or on a sign in the vegetable section of the store.
Kathy McBain
Nov 18, 2020
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Very impressed with this greenhouse!! Absolutely massive with a huge variety of garden & flower bed plants. Healthy, lovely plants! I asked how long theyve open (July) as I plan on going back and getting some house plants!!
Oh, btw, theyve widened the walkways, concrete and wide enough for the carts. Friendly knowledgeable staff, family run business. 5 stars.
Oh, btw, theyve widened the walkways, concrete and wide enough for the carts. Friendly knowledgeable staff, family run business. 5 stars.
Jennifer Hillmer
Feb 02, 2019
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Great prices on baskets, best I found in the region. Worth the drive!!! Really pretty arrangements Starting from $18! Rest of the plants priced about the same as other greenhouses in the area. Lots of selection, service was good, but not great. Perennials vs. annuals arent as well identified as other greenhouses for more novice gardeners, but just ask & theyll help you out . Fantastic selection of tomatoes. Aisles could be a bit wider to allow for carts.
