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Published Sep 25, 2025 • 3 minute read
Doug Marvin and Jillian MacPhee in Marvin’s home garden. Marvin is featured on episode four of MacPhee’s new series Garden Stories streaming now on Optik TV. Photo by Tyler Sirman Photography Photo by Tyler Sirman Photography and VideographyArticle content
Nestled in the lands of Strathcona County are the stories of residents past and present who have helped make the area the home it is today.
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From farmers to florists to gardeners, the diversity of the environmental stewards is as rich as the topography. On a mission to share the stories and spaces of those dedicated to the land surrounding the Greater Edmonton Area, Jillian MacPhee of Greenland Garden Centre Sherwood Park, with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE presents Garden Stories, a six-episode series which premiered on TELUS Optik TV and Stream+ on Tuesday, Sept. 23.
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Offering an in-depth exploration of the vibrant creations of local gardeners and growers, each episode of the series highlights one Edmonton-area horticulturist and tells the story of the land they have sowed, and the beauty created from it. Among the six featured are Doug Marvin and his remarkable backyard oasis, and Janice Martin and her flower farm, J. Lynn Florals.
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“This came about while my father was in hospice, and he could pull a story out of anyone, he loved to make people feel seen and heard,” said MacPhee, who was raised in Sturgeon County on a farm. “I know a lot of really beautiful people, and I really want the people that I’ve served to feel like I hear and see them and appreciate them.”
Artistically composed, the series captures the charm of local storytellers and their garden spaces, highlighting the beauty of the land and the people who tend to it.
Raised on what was once the south edge of Edmonton in Millcreek Ravine in the 1950s, Marvin spent his youth exploring the natural landscape. Now retired after a career with Alberta Parks, Marvin dedicates his time to the continuous development of his outdoor retreat in the backyard of his Sherwood Park home.
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Beginning the evolution of his backyard roughly 20 years ago, Marvin said it all started with Friday nights spent at Greenland Garden Centre with his wife as they set out to learn more about perennial plants.
Janice and Jim Martin of J. Lynn Florals are featured in episode two of Jillian MacPhee’s new Storyhive series, Garden Stories. Photo by Tyler Sirman Photography Photo by Tyler Sirman Photography and Vid
Featuring a creek, koi pond, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery, Marvin’s garden blends Japanese inspired landscaping with subtle homages to his loved ones, showcasing his dedication to the environment and creating the perfect tranquil retreat nestled in a typical Sherwood Park neighbourhood.
“He’s truly a gentleman and gentleman gardener,” MacPhee said of Marvin. “This garden is built on love and respect.”
In his role with Alberta Parks, Marvin lived by the phrase ‘stewards of the land and stewards of the experience’. It’s an approach he has continued while developing his own space and providing his grandchildren with an environment they can explore.
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“If we don’t steward the land, there won’t be any experience,” said Marvin.
“He has a really beautiful way of sharing nature with children because he finds that so important,” explained MacPhee.
While Marvin’s garden, featured in episode four, is a tranquil place to relax, Janice Martin’s operation for J. Lynn Florals, showcased in episode two, is a working cut flower farm, producing thousands of blooms annually for special events and weddings.
A master gardener who began with 25 raised flower beds, Martin’s operation has doubled over the years and now features 50 beds with more species of blooms than she can count.
“One thing I do, and it’s not just with my brides, but anybody that purchases a bouquet from me, I give them the option to see the gardens where their flowers come from,” said Martin. “To me, it’s just part of an education. I want them to see what we can grow. I want them to see the bees. I want them to just experience nature.”
Streaming now on Optik TV, with a release on YouTube planned for November, Garden Stories offers viewers an opportunity to connect with nature from the comfort of their homes. A beautiful exploration of storytelling and the land that connects us, MacPhee brings her signature warmth while showcasing the beauty of Strathcona County and the people who make it home.
tmacleod@postmedia.com
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