Phoenix Perennials

Do you live in Point Roberts or nearby areas of Washington State? Or are you a gardening afficionado from elsewhere in the US?

In order to take plants back to the United States you will require an inspection by an officer of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) who will issue you a Phytosanitary Certificate. Luckily this is relatively easy though it will require a little logistical planning. There are two main methods to attain a phyto:

Method 1: Phytosanitary Certificate Arranged by Phoenix Perennials

You must keep in mind that once we request an inspection, CFIA trys to come to inspect the plants within the next 24-48 hours. They only work Monday to Friday and not on weekends.

1. Visit the nursery and purchase your plants. Leave the plants with us.

2. We will call CFIA and arrange for an inspection. The inspector usually comes within one to two days of our call. (If you are short on time we may be able to book an inspection for later in the same day of your visit if you let us know in advance. However, the inspectors cannot necessarily guarantee that they will be there at any given time based on the nature of their work.)

3. Return to the nursery after the inspection. Pick up your plants and your phyto and head home with your treasures! You'll need to declare your plants at the border and present your Phytosanitary Certificate. A USDA officer may wish to inspect your plants before they are allowed across the border.

Cost: $20 (plus HST) payable when you purchase your plants.

1. Call or email the nursery one to two weeks before your visit to order your plants and ask us to arrange a Phytosanitary Certificate.

2. Come to the nursery on your pre-arranged date and we will have your plants and your Phyto ready for you. You'll need to declare your plants at the border and present your Phytosanitary Certificate. A USDA officer may wish to inspect your plants before they are allowed across the border.

Note: Using this scenario means that you will not be able to add plants since additional plants will not have been inspected.

Cost: $20 (plus HST) payable when you purchase your plants.

Method 2: Phytosanitary Certificate Arranged by You

1. Call CFIA (604-666-6513) and make an appointment with an inspection officer for the day you would like to have your plants inspected.

2. Visit the nursery and purchase your plants. Ask us for an itemized invoice of your purchases for the inspector.

3. Take your plants to the CFIA offices at the pre-arranged day and time. The inspector will evaluate your plants and issue you a Phytosanitary Certificate.

4. Head home with your treasures! You'll need to declare your plants at the border and present your phytosanitary certificate. A USDA officer may wish to inspect your plants before they are allowed across the border.