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Published Nov 16, 2025 • Last updated 42 minutes ago • 6 minute read
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Carla Hrycyna, President – St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre Ltd. Photo by Art Alexander /Winnipeg SunArticle content
Nestled on the south side of Winnipeg, St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre is more than just a garden shop; it’s a thriving community hub and a testament to relentless entrepreneurial spirit. Behind its lush landscapes and vibrant greenhouses is a woman whose perseverance, passion, and vision transformed her dream into a flourishing reality.
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Carla Hrycyna’s journey embodies resilience, determination, and a visionary outlook. It has turned a humble nursery into a regional destination, inspiring countless visitors and residents alike.
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A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention
Carla’s story begins in 1994, marking the start of her second career. Her love of plants and design made her realize early on that she had a natural talent for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. Yet, breaking into the nursery business wasn’t straightforward. She applied four times before finally securing her position at what would become St. Mary’s Nursery. Despite the setbacks and rejections, Carla’s unwavering belief in her vision and her resilience in the face of adversity kept her moving forward, inspiring all who hear her story.
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Starting in the back, away from everyone, with just the plants, she worked tirelessly to make a difference. Her artistic eye for plants and innate design sense quickly gained recognition. But her grit and resilience spoke louder.
“I was told I’d never make it, that I’d never lead,” Carla recalls. “But I believed in myself, the industry, and the people around me. Persistence is the key. If you keep nurturing your passions, anything is possible.”
Her leadership style echoes John Maxwell’s famous quote: “The secret to success is not just in planting seeds but in nurturing them daily, with passion and persistence.”
Turning Dreams Into Reality
In 2007, Carla’s vision expanded when she partnered with Ken Land, a business professional with expertise in chemicals, pesticides, and accounting, to purchase the business. Their collaboration combined her horticultural artistry with Ken’s financial acumen, creating a powerhouse team committed to growth and excellence.
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Their shared goal was clear: transform St. Mary’s into more than a nursery, a lifestyle destination that offers a memorable, inspiring experience. Carla’s creative eye and their combined efforts led to the nursery expanding into a sprawling 28-acre wonderland.
Today, as you walk into St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre, a mosaic of vibrant colour, lush trees, enchanting fountains, and charming statuary greets the St.Mary’s guests. What sets St. Mary’s apart is not just the variety of plants but also the immersive sensory experience it offers. Visitors aren’t just shopping; they’re touching textures, smelling fragrances, and envisioning their perfect garden.
“Our goal is to create a place where people can relax, dream, and connect with nature,” Carla says. “Plants have an innate calming effect; that’s what we want every visitor to feel.”
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Her philosophy extends beyond retail. Her team offers landscaping design, installation, and maintenance, transforming outdoor spaces into personal retreats or eye-catching showpieces in both commercial and residential settings.
A Culture of Growth and Community Impact
What sets St. Mary’s apart isn’t just the lush flowers or the expansive greenhouses—it’s Carla’s unwavering commitment to community, sustainability, and education. The nursery hosts seasonal events like fall fashion shows featuring local models, and winter activities like Photos with Santa and Grinch—all designed to draw families, inspire community pride, and support local charities.
Carla firmly believes that “gardening and plants are vital for our environment and local ecosystems.” She encourages planting locally—trees and flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies—and emphasizes how small actions can impact climate change.
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Carla firmly believes that “gardening and plants are vital for our environment and local ecosystems.” She encourages planting trees and flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and emphasizes how small actions impact climate change. Her nursery actively promotes biodiversity and environmental responsibility.
The nursery is also a hub for education. During the holiday season, visitors learn about the significance of seasonal plants, make wreaths, and participate in workshops designed to foster a love of nature. Moreover, the nursery isn’t just about growth—it’s about giving back. Carla’s leadership is evident in initiatives like the Fall Charitable Fashion Show, where proceeds support local children’s programs, emphasizing her dedication to giving back.
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More Than Just Plants: Creating an Experience
As you stroll through 28 acres of lush greenery, greenhouses, and beautifully curated display areas, you’ll discover that St Mary’s is more than a shopping destination—it’s an immersive sensory experience designed to inspire and delight. Carla’s passion for innovation keeps the space vibrant and ever-changing, inviting visitors to explore new ideas and unleash their creativity. From towering trees and delicate flower arrangements to decorative fountains and whimsical garden gnomes, each element is thoughtfully placed to spark the imagination and help visitors envision their own perfect outdoor retreat. This immersive experience is sure to engage and excite every visitor.
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Carla’s commitment to constant evolution ensures that every visit feels fresh, engaging, and inspiring—making St. Mary’s Nursery a true haven where beauty, imagination, and community come together to cultivate not just gardens but lifelong memories.
Carla and her team regularly update displays based on the latest trends, checking in on global garden design innovations and sourcing ideas during her travels. This continual evolution underpins her philosophy: gardening is an art and a way of life. It’s about creating spaces that reflect personal style, peace, and beauty.
During the winter months, the nursery becomes a winter wonderland with 38 decorated trees and over 2,000 ornaments, a magical setting for holiday visitors and families. Carla emphasizes that gardening and landscape creation are more than aesthetics: they’re a means to preserve the environment, foster community, and promote mental well-being.
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A Vision for the Future
Carla’s entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t stop at her current achievements. She envisions further expansion into more innovative displays, increased educational programs, and sustainable practices. Her vision for the future is one of growth and excellence. She believes that teamwork and professional growth are vital, fostering a culture in which her 55 staff members in the top season are inspired to grow personally and professionally.
Her motto echoes John Maxwell’s wisdom: “The secret to success is not just in planting seeds but in nurturing them daily, with passion and persistence.” Carla exemplifies this every day, nurturing her business, her team, and her community.
Proud of her journey, Carla reflects, “We’re building a legacy—an environment where people can connect with nature and each other. That’s what makes this business truly special.”
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An Inspiration for All
Carla Hrycyna’s story is proof that perseverance, passion, and vision can turn a modest dream into a thriving community landmark. Her journey from rejection to leadership inspires entrepreneurs and dreamers alike to stay committed, keep learning, and nurture their passions.
Her success speaks to all, whether in business, community service, or personal growth, that with dedication and a clear purpose, anyone can cultivate success.
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As Carla often reminds her team and visitors alike, “Gardening is just like life. With patience, care, and a lot of love, you can grow something beautiful — not just plants, but a legacy.”
Her journey is a testament: when passion meets persistence, the seeds of a dream can blossom into something truly extraordinary. Connect with Carla and the team and stop in to be inspired by nature at 2901 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg. Follow them on social media, and find them online at https://stmarysnurseryandgardencentre.ca.
Carla Hrycyna’s unwavering spirit reminds us all that with persistence and passion, even the most humble beginnings can blossom into a legacy that inspires generations.
— Art Alexander is a leadership expert and the founder of Art Alexander and Associates, and a guest writer for the Winnipeg Sun. With a deep understanding of people and business, Art helps organizations thrive through leadership training and DISC personality assessments. You can reach Art at art@artalexander.ca.
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