Gardener in Pembina Valley marvels at record growth of castor bean plant

A local woman says her backyard garden has never looked better, and it's all thanks to this year’s heavy rainfall.

Norma Epp has lived and gardened in the same home for 38 years. But this year, she says, her plants, especially the castor beans, have grown to record sizes.

Norma Epp stands with her towering castor beanstalk, which is towering into the sky.

“I plant castor beans every year, but never have they got this big,” Epp said in an interview.

When asked if she has a secret, Epp laughed and said she simply prays when planting and believes the garden gives back whatever she gives it.

Late bloomers still thriving in fall

Walking through her garden, Epp pointed to her tomato plants that were still flowering despite it being the start of fall.

“He's reaching. And it's flowering. And it's September,” she said.

Although fall is usually the time for harvesting, Epp says this year has been far from normal. She noted that her property, which often floods, received more water than she can remember in previous years.

“This has been such an unreal year. Like we've had more water than I can ever remember,” she said. “But our yard just turns out like this. And I say thank you.”