About Us
Our story began in 2019, when Denise and Julia met while working at Bearberry Creek Greenhouse & Water Gardens. We spent 4 and 5 years working there, learning all about plants, insects, and life, from Jan and Heinjo Lahring and the crew. When they decided to start selling primarily water plants in 2023, we decided to fill the plant gap and share our love of plants with others through Bearberry Roots. We are still in the process of building a beautiful and unique country store set up and so appreciate everyone’s support while we grow. We would love for you to come out and see us this summer, or you can find us at the Caroline and Sundre farmers markets! Please see our Pickup Information page for details about how you can get your plants if you order online.
Our focus is to sell hardy edible, medicinal and unique plants. We want to provide access to plants that survive well in this area, things you don’t normally find at every greenhouse, and plants that benefit your health, as well as the health of your garden and food forest. We are passionate about companion planting, permaculture, and the adventure of trial and error gardening. Our focus is on heirloom and open pollinated plant varieties, but we also provide some of the more mainstream varieties. We believe in using organic fertilizers and pest prevention to provide the healthiest plants for our customers.
Julia is passionate about wild flowers, native plants, pollinators, organic gardening, and companion planting. She began gardening as a child, in the mountains of British Columbia with her parents, and has always had a strong appreciation of the beauty and diversity of nature. She is a beekeeper and bee relocator in James River and has most recently started a micro-flower farm in her backyard. She grows a lot of the flowers we have for sale, along with some of the vegetables and herbs.
Denise has been gardening without pesticides and herbicides for over 20 years, learning bit by bit. Recently her focus has turned toward the inter-relationships and permaculture and, in 2022, she took her Permaculture Design Course. She is working to create her own permaculture paradise, and wants to help others achieve their dreams of creating their own edible landscapes, and healthy, productive gardens.
