June 15, 2015
Signs of spring
Denis Flanagan CLD
LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations
Although the weather has thrown some curveballs at our industry this spring, the hard working, family-owned businesses across the province were certainly up for the challenge. Here are three companies that are fine examples of a vibrant horticultural industry in Ontario with strong family values, running their businesses with hard work, smart practices, strong ethics and staying ahead of the trends. Congratulations to them and all the other 2,500 Landscape Ontario members.
Let’s hope 2015 is your best year ever.
LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations
Although the weather has thrown some curveballs at our industry this spring, the hard working, family-owned businesses across the province were certainly up for the challenge. Here are three companies that are fine examples of a vibrant horticultural industry in Ontario with strong family values, running their businesses with hard work, smart practices, strong ethics and staying ahead of the trends. Congratulations to them and all the other 2,500 Landscape Ontario members.
Let’s hope 2015 is your best year ever.
Canadale Nurseries celebrates 60 years in business
While Pauline Intven was busy running the retail garden centre and organizing special events, her brother Tom took a well deserved break from the wholesale division and entertained the crowd by playing a few tunes with his ukulele band. Although the temperature was a bit chilly, the music and early spring colours produced lots of warm smiles on customers’ faces.
Bradford Greenhouses also celebrating over 60 years
Francis Ferragine purchased property in 1961, and opened a wholesale operation. Since then, the company has blossomed, adding two retail operations with over 60 acres of growing and retail space. This makes Bradford one of the largest greenhouse growers in Central Ontario.An important part of their business has been their relationship with Loblaw. Frankie Ferragine (aka Frankie Flowers) is seen here describing some new varieties to a group of garden writers under the watchful eye of Peter Cantley.
Kobes Nurseries close to 60 years in business
Again, with a fabulous family history, the company has run a successful wholesale nursery in the heart of the Durham region for nearly 60 years.The family has met the challenge of a late spring through hard work and maintaining a solid customer base. The photo shows another large load of quality nursery stock being loaded for delivery. It seems that the Kobes organization really believes in its mission statement, “Our mission is to make a positive contribution to our environment, employees, customers and suppliers using plant material as our medium.”
Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.