Community

Art Knapp has been an integral part of Kamloops and the surrounding area since 1972 and we pride ourselves in the work we do partnering with groups within our local community and abroad.

We are proud supporters of communities in Bloom, making our community a brighter and beautiful landscape; The Garden Centre Group Coop {GCGC}, one of the largest single contributors to Parkinson’s research/treatments; Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism; Kamloops SPCA; school education and tour programs, the Foyer de Sion orphanage in Haiti and many other local non profit charities.

History

The Art Knapp Garden Centre and Florist was founded over 50 years ago and is independently owned and operated by the Hik family (Jack and Lenore) for over 50 years. Jack and Lenore started out with a lean-to and a big old 500Ib cash register in 1972 at the old location in Rayleigh.

Maury and Erin were 18 months and 2 years old respectively when the doors first opened. The following year a building was erected, and the business kept growing from there.

The store operated in Rayleigh until 1985 at which point it was moved to Kamloops at Columbia and Notre Dame. Over the years the business has grown from a 2-person operation and employing over 60 employees in the busy season. Art Knapp appreciates the community of Kam loops for their support of local business and this is why they are successful today.

In June 1992 Jack passed away suddenly. Maury, Erin and Lenore have carried on with the wonderful help of employees, friends and business associates and they feel forever indebted to those who helped them out. They’ve especially appreciated the friendships and strength the staff has provided over the years. Erin has since moved on to other endeavors but she continues to offer her talents in the busy times. It’s truly a family endeavor and venture as Maury’s family Deanna (wife) and all of their children now work in some capacity at the store with Lenore Hik maintaining her matriarch status.

Environmental Commitment

At Art Knapp Kamloops environment is at the heart of everything they do. They are committed to increasing environmental awareness amongst our community, promoting the importance of wildlife and educating visitors on encouraging it to thrive in their gardens. They support local farming in and around the Kamloops area and source ‘home garden’ plants where possible.

Art Knapps recycles the grow pots they use on-site, compost all our organic matter, use organic pesticides as much as possible and have even purchased our own cardboard compactor.