04/08/2025
How amazing is this 😍
With their green thumbs and generous hearts, gardeners Len and Bernie Mintenko are once again turning sunflowers into support for the Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS), with preorders now being accepted ahead of this year’s planting.
The couple, who grow roughly 1,200 sunflowers annually, have been selling their plants for charity since 2022. Their initiative began as a way to help Ukrainian refugees during the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian war, and has since expanded to support a variety of local causes — including the Rotary Clubs of Moose Jaw, MJHS, and the Ukrainian Help and Exchange program.
This year, the Mintenkos decided to focus their efforts once again on supporting animals in need at the MJHS, after presenting the shelter with a $700 cheque on June 10, 2024.
Each sunflower is sold in an individual container for $2 apiece, with 50 cents from each sale going to the shelter. The couple grows five varieties — which will remain the same this season — including the towering Helianthus giganteus, which can reach the height of a garage, and the smaller Teddy Bear variety, which is ideal for flowerpots.
Varieties also include Velvet Queens, Kongs, and Dwarf sunflowers.
Len said asking for preorders will help determine how many plants to grow.
With pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, and hoverflies facing a worldwide decline, Len also believes these flowers contribute to the local ecosystem.
“I was reading the other day about more pollinators going extinct… whether it’s butterflies, bees, or (other pollinators) in the world generally. So, it’s an important thing to have (flowers such as these) for (these beneficial insects) to do their part….”
Len said he’s still finalizing the location for in-person sunflower sales this season, with further details to follow as the season progresses.
Preorders are now being accepted by emailing Len and Bernie Mintenko at [email protected] or by calling 306-693-1728.