History

Lakeshore is a family business which was started in 1936 by our grandfather J.M. Dyck, and our father, George Krahn.  The business began at Wilson Lake, about 8 miles west of Struan, Saskatchewan, where they planted fruit trees during the depression.  Word of this orchard began to spread and a year later 1000 bud-grafted fruit trees were ready for sale.  In its infancy, Lakeshore was a mail order business and within five years they were shipping fruit trees across Canada.

The work was done by hand and with the help of a horse drawn cultivator.  Tractors and other machinery were acquired in the 1940’s.

In 1945, George married Antonia and raised five children.  In 1953, following J.M. Dyck’s passing, George & Tony decided to move to Saskatoon where they purchased Weaver’s Nursery on 11th Street West – the oldest nursery site in Saskatchewan.  In the thirty years following, George became a senior authority within the horticultural community.  He was the first president of the Saskatchewan Nurserymen’s Association, and the Prairie Association of Nurserymen.  George was also instrumental in the introduction of new plant varieties such as Edith Smith Apple, Thiessen and Honeywood Saskatoon Berries, Thunderchild Flowering Crab, Green Giant Poplar, and Sutherland Golden Elder.

In 1974, Richard, Robert and Victor Krahn purchased the business from their father George.  The business changed ownership again in 2006 when Vic, Lee, and Aaron Krahn took over the business. Today, Lakeshore has over 250 acres of field grown trees and shrubs as well as several acres of containerized stock.  In addition to the Garden Centre, we are wholesale growers specializing in landscape supply and large specimen trees.  Lakeshore has been growing flowers, trees, and shrubs for over 80 years.  We are dedicated to providing Prairie hardy quality products, reliable service, and a knowledgeable staff.  Come visit us today!