Skip to content

New owners of Westerose Greenhouse keep it in the family

Ben and Tasha Meuser’s business has everything a gardener could want
595pipestoneflyerWestGreenwebsite
From left are wife Tasha

The new owners of Westerose Greenhouse near Pigeon Lake are keeping the operation in the family. Ben Meuser will be its third generation grower.

Ben and Tasha Meuser have recently leased the large greenhouse operation located almost immediately off of Hwy #13 just a few seconds south down RR#11.

Ben said becoming a greenhouse owner this past February was not a development he saw coming. Ben’s parents, Deb and Dave, ran a greenhouse in northern Alberta when Ben was growing up and while he was familiar with the business, he never thought he’d own one himself one day. “Not at all,” said Ben May 4 as he watered begonias.

Ben worked across Canada for eight years as a professional stage actor, obtaining an education degree he then taught high school for six years in Ontario. But meeting his future wife Tasha had Ben thinking of home. “I wanted to be closer to home,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to wake up in the morning and work on my own property.”

Westerose Greenhouse, under the guidance of seasoned operators and relatives Jonathan and Loretta King, who in turn took it over from Ben’s grandparents Bud and Deb King, has been basking in the Pigeon Lake sun since 1978. The greenhouse had been closed this past season and Ben said he didn’t like to see his grandparents’ greenhouse sitting empty. He and Tasha talked it over and decided to plunge in.

Ben’s uncle Jonathan and aunt Loretta, along with Ben’s parents, Deb and Dave, who operated Birch Hills Greenhouse in northern Alberta, have served as both inspiration and mentors. In turn Ben and Tasha have paid it forward, inviting 27 Grade 4/5 students from Lakedell School to the greenhouse for a tour and Mother’s day “planting party.” Each child left with a potted plant they planted themselves and a new appreciation for nature.

Tasha said owning a rural business is a great feeling. “It’s really rewarding and nice to introduce children to the greenhouse.” With over 15,000 square feet of space there truly is something for everyone.

They also wanted to let people know they are worth the drive to Pigeon Lake. “The quality of the plants here is phenomenal,” said Ben. “We’re extremely competitive on pricing, and boast a wide selection of flowers, plants, herbs and vegetables,” noted Tasha.

Ben and Tasha add, they have also opened a wedding venue nestled in the woods just a bit further south; many people strongly desire weddings in the country and there aren’t many such venues south of Edmonton.

Westerose Greenhouse is open Tuesday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends 10a.m. to 5 p.m. - closed on Mondays (except holiday Mondays). Coming from Wetaskiwin, turn south onto RR#11 at the Village at Pigeon Lake turnoff; the greenhouse is the first left a few seconds later on the gravel road.