“That’s a greenhouse gas equivalent to taking a car off the road 123,000 miles,” Sapsford noted, adding that the milestone reflects both environmental progress and growing community buy-in.
But composting is only part of the story.
As demand grew, so did the business. In 2021, after repeated questions from customers about where to find quality soil, Sapsford expanded into landscaping supplies and services. Today, The Backyard and Compost Corner offers bulk soil, mulch and compost sales, regenerative landscape design in partnership with like-minded professionals, and ongoing garden and flower bed maintenance.
“At first glance, I get recognized as the Compost lady, but then find out I can also help design their yard, maintain their flower beds and drop off a yard of topsoil or mulch,” she said. “It becomes a one stop gardening relationship.”
That relationship extends beyond individual yards. Through workshops, gardening classes and events, Sapsford is helping build knowledge and confidence among local growers. She’s also helped launch a Prince Albert Gardening Club and regularly participates in community events like Seedy Saturday.
Still, perhaps her most ambitious effort is the Beautiful Prince Albert Project. It’s a grassroots initiative aimed at transforming the city through collective action.
“I believe that green spaces, flowers, pollinators, and well-tended yards don’t just make a city look better… they make it feel better, and bring people together around something they can all be proud of.”
The project encourages residents to nominate standout gardens, recognize neighbours, and even identify spaces that could use a little extra care. From there, Sapsford and her team help rally community support to bring those spaces to life.
For Sapsford, beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose.
“To me, beautiful means a natural outdoor space that serves the people who live there and potentially makes people smile as they walk by,” she said. “Ultimately, a beautiful yard is one that gives its neighbours a reason to slow down for a second and be in awe of the natural world.”
That philosophy is resonating. The business now serves more than 100 regular composting clients, each diverting their food waste weekly. Looking ahead, Sapsford has set an ambitious goal: helping 1,000 gardens thrive during the 2026 growing season.
Getting involved can be as simple as signing up for composting services, purchasing supplies, or joining the growing online community celebrating local green spaces. Even those who already compost can support the effort by subscribing to the business newsletter to stay informed about events, tips and opportunities.
For Sapsford, the work is deeply personal.
“I love this City,” she said. “Prince Albert has some of the most green space in the country and it’s already a beautiful city to live in. I love to be able to showcase that and help build more community pride.”
What began with a pickup truck and a passion for compost has evolved into something much larger – a successful business and a movement rooted in sustainability, pride and connection.
Get in touch with Keri at The Backyard and Compost Corner by calling her at (306)960-5225 or through email at keri@thebackyardpa.ca
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*This article was submitted by the content creation division of paNOW.com
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