As we’re turning 20 this year, we thought you might enjoy a glimpse into Tanglebank’s history…
Tanglebank’s history began a long time ago. Here’s what happened:
1912
Far, far away and long, long ago, there was a man by the name of Harold Bowles. Harold was a farmer who decided to seek his fortune thousands of miles away from his birth place in England in 1912, long before anyone ever imagined a gorgeous boutique country nursery, bistro or store in Abbotsford. Harold found himself in Nipiwin, Saskatchewan where “Tanglebank” was born.
Harold named his farm “Tanglebank” in honor of a bank of tangled Saskatoon berry bushes on the farm.
1946
By 1946, Harold decided to move his farm to Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford. His daugther, Linda Treliving, Arnold’s Mom, eventually moved the enterprise to “Tanglebank’s” current location in Downes Road.
Arnold inherited his grandfather’s love of the land and in 1996, he and Brenda began to fulfill their dream by creating “Tanglebank Gardens” and later “Brambles Bistro”.
2016
Since it’s humble beginnings, “Tanglebank” has evolved into a thriving destination location.
Arnold and Brenda’s children are all involved in it’s growth and operation. Lauren, a horticulturalist, began with growing small fruits and vegetables, while Kayla, a chef, spearheaded Brambles Bistro, developing the original West Coast fusion menu. Daryl and a partner run the landscaping business while Andrew builds our display counters and serves in the Bistro from time to time. Our son-in-law, Luke, builds all the outdoor trellises and arbours. Even the grandchildren can be seen watering vegetables and catching rides in wheelbarrows.
We think that Harold would have loved what “Tanglebank” has grown into and would have been proud to see 5 generations living close to the land they love.