Vanderveen's Greenhouses started out as a small market gardening business in 1970 by Jack and Louwina Vanderveen. From there it progressed to the growing of a few bedding plant annuals and vegetables in wooden greenhouses and cold frames. By 1980 there were 8 greenhouses that were heated year round, with assorted indoor potted plants and cut flowers as well as spring bedding plants, in order to supply flower shops, chain stores and garden centers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
In 1985 two sons, Kelvin and Les, took over the business and over the span of the next 10 years, expanded greenhouse space onto a second range as the first location had limited room for development. They continued to supply florists and garden centers in MB, SK and northern ON as well as the local community with flowering plants year round. Bedding plant production grew considerably, with this being the primary use of greenhouse space.
Currently there are 20 acres of greenhouses. The majority of the space is used for bedding plants, a season which starts its growing in February and is not completed until the end of June. There are also summer and fall crops of hanging baskets, assorted planters and mums, poinsettias for Christmas and lilies and hydrangeas for Easter. A range of greenhouses that contains the winter crops, utilizes an innovative biomass method of heating. Hot water heating has been the norm for many years but here the use of natural gas for heating the water has been replaced with the burning of wood chips in 4 massive furnaces. These furnaces are fed up to 4 semi loads of wood per day in cold winter months to keep the greenhouses warm.
Kenton and Jordan have joined Kelvin in managing the business and Les has semi-retired. During the year, approximately 15 full time and up to 50 part time employees keep busy in growing quality plants and providing reliable, friendly service. From a simple desire many years ago, to work and serve the Lord in this beautiful country of Canada, the guiding hand of God has shaped and blessed the efforts of many into what has developed today and with his blessing will continue in the future.
Vanderveen's is open to the public for the Christmas, Easter and Spring (bedding plants) seasons. At these times there are assorted plants available. Gift certificates are available any time. During the off season, simply contact us and we can arrange for a pick up or have one mailed.