Brian Minter began sharing his passion for plants with British Columbia's gardners when, in 1970, he and his wife Faye purchased Country Garden Store, a garden shop that had been part of Chilliwack’s community since 1957. In 1977, the Minters discovered a piece of land nestled beneath Mt. Cheam and by 1980, that passion for plants was transformed into 32-acre, world-famous Minter Gardens which today draws thousands of visitors each year, and has become a favourite destination for weddings.

Brian, a University of British Columbia graduate (BA) and Master Gardener, quickly became BC's go-to garden expert through his experience at both the garden centre and the display gardens. As such, he has has hosted countless radio and television shows, is a frequent gardening columnist, and is the author of Canadian Best Seller, Brian Minter's New Gardening Guide - Fresh Approaches for Canadian Gardeners. He is the President of Minter Gardens, and the President and General Manager of Country Garden Store.

Brian and Faye Minter have two daughters, Lisa Minter-Bustin and Erin Minter, and two grandchildren, Kathrine and Samuel, each of whom are integral to the two businesses' operations. Learn more about the Minter family here...

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Speaking Engagements

Brian Minter is a frequent keynote speaker and lecturer at conferences, tradeshows, and other garden and tourism-related events. Some of his recent speaking engagements addressed the following delegations:

• Garden Centres of America - Portland, Oregon
• Garden Writers of America - Disney Epcot Center, Florida
• Southern Gardeners - Cloister Hotels, Sea Island, Georgia
• Canadian Nursery Landscape Association - Vancouver, British Columbia
• American Nursery Landscape Association Management Clinic - Louisville, Kentucky
• Graduation Address - Olds College, Alberta
• British Lawn and Garden Manufacturers' Association - Coventry, England
• Farm Direct Marketing Association (International) - Victoria, British Columbia
• Garden Clubs, plant societies, and other local functions

To make a request to Brian to speak at your event, contact administrative assistant, Jo-Ann Chabot. Please include the complete details of the event, the time frame you wish Brian to speak for, any topics of interest, and some background information on your organization. While Brian will make every effort to accommodate speaking requests, due to scheduling constraints, not all can be managed.

You can view any upcoming, scheduled appearances on the MinterGardens.com Calendar of Events.

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Media

You can find Brian on the airwaves and in your favourite garden magazine or newspaper. His appearances include:

• Syndicated gardening columnist with various British Columbia newspapers
• Radio columnist and gardening open-line host
• Television gardening host on cable t.v. and Knowledge Network
• Columnist for several BC and national trade and public garden magazines
• Author of Brian Minter's New Gardening Guide
• Producer of seven gardening videos.

For current examples, go to Brian's webpage and click on "Listen" and "Learn".

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Associations

Brian Minter has been a member of several professional and service organizations:

Professional

• BC Landscape & Nursery Association - honourary member
• Canadian Nursery Landscape Association - member
• Provincial Tourism Advisory Council - former member
• University College of the Fraser Valley - former chair
• STAR-FM Advisory Council - former chair
• Regional District of Fraser-Cheam Economic Development Commission - former chair
• Garden Writers' Association of America - regional director
• Vancouver Coast and Mountain Tourism Association - former director
• British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) - vice chair, Fraser Valley
• University College of the Fraser Valley Foundation Board - founding member

Service

• Chilliwack Arthritis Society - honourary chair
• Chilliwack Rotary Club - active member, former director
• Kinsmen Club of Chilliwack - past president
• Junior Achievement Canada - instructor in elementary schools.

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Awards

• BC Landscape & Nursery Association Outstanding Member Award & Honorary Member 2005
• Spirit of Enterprise Award, from the Rolex Society of Geneva
• Diamond Attraction Award, American Automobile Association
• Honorary Doctorate of Technology, University College of the Fraser Valley 2001
• Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce Citizen to be Recognized, shared with Faye Minter
• Communication Achievement Award, Toastmasters International Club of Chilliwack
• Canadian Horticulture Science Award 1998
• Order of Canada 1990
• Freeman of the District of Chilliwack
• BC Provincial Government Small Business Achievement Award 1989
• Southwest BC Tourism Association President's Award 1981
• Kinsmen of the Year 1972-73

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