Blaine Poirier knew the mine he was working at was about to close, so he began planting the seeds for his next career, as owner of Poirier's Nursery in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

The predominant markets for nursery products are garden centres, landscapers and direct sales to the public.

Growing his stock from scratch, Blaine saved a lot in inventory start up costs, offering a range of hardy plants and trees to local residents and businesses. He barely finished moving the last load of plants from the house to the new location when we stopped by for a visit.

Along with family support, the locals help out too with free advice Blaine wished he'd taken after losing hundreds of Norway Maple to frost by planting seeds two weeks earlier than advised.

Poirier's doesn't have crop insurance because the deductible is so high, Blaine would have to lose 75% of his crop for it to be worth anything.

The well system for the nursery was a major expense. They drilled and drilled and at 300 feet were still bone dry, yet not as dry as Blaine's throat at that point. Twenty feet later they hit water and he began breathing again.

Nova Scotia and Quebec lead the country in Christmas tree production.

Blaine's brother developed a watering system of sprinklers set on old lawnmower frames so they can be easily transported to cover all areas of the nursery. Right now Blaine is looking at covering all his bases for 'Freedom 55'.