History of Dinter Nursery

Dinter Nursery was the dream of Bernhard Dinter. Bernhard had immigrated to Canada in 1951 and with his background in horticulture and landscape design, worked as a gardener for 20 years at Shawnigan Lake School.

In the mid 1960's Bernhard and his wife Gertrud purchased a property at the corner of Phipps Road and the Island Highway. They started Dinter Nursery Garden Centre in 1973. In 1976 they were joined in the nursery by their son Bernie who had just completed his degree in Horticulture from the University of British Columbia.

Bernhard and Gertrud building shade house 1972

Bernhard drew landscape plans and operated the landscaping side of the business while Bernie concentrated his efforts on nursery production. As Bernhard (known by the staff as "Mr. D.") grew older he phased out the landscaping side of the business and concentrated his efforts on consulting with customers and drawing landscape plans for them. He was also invaluable in responding to a wide variety of customer inquiries and continued to enjoy the personal interaction with his clients.

Nursery 1982

Mr. D. also enjoyed talking with the children on the school tours and explaining the life cycle of his kiwi tree.

Mr. D and school children 2006

Mr. D. was still drawing landscaping plans 10 days before he passed away in July 2007 at the age of 82!

Gertud Dinter, affectionately called "Mrs. D.", is still involved with the nursery where, among many of her duties, she uses her decorating talents to ensuring the nursery always looks colourful and at its best.

Gertrud Dinter Spring 2009

Bernie enjoys the challenge of managing the Nursery and shares his father's stated mission to "make the Cowichan Valley more beautiful".

Bernie Dinter enjoying his work!