The Early Days of Adrian Vandermeer
Adrian Vandermeer grew up in Monster, Holland, helping his father grow vegetables for local markets. At just 14, he worked full time in the greenhouse and attended night classes to help support his family. That early experience sparked a lifelong connection to growing. In the 1950s, Adrian left for Canada with his brother, working in tobacco fields and lumber camps while saving money and learning English.
After marrying his high-school sweetheart, Reit, he settled in Ajax, Ontario. Half their savings went into a home, and the other half into a handmade greenhouse, marking the beginning of a nursery that would grow for generations.
Our History in Highlights
1961
Built from the Ground Up
While working full-time at GM, Adrian built his first greenhouse by hand on his one-acre property, where the current retail store now stands. Measuring 80' x 50', it was constructed entirely from salvaged wood and glass and cost a total of $3,500. It was a modest start but built with care and great determination. This greenhouse became his growing space while he sold plants from his driveway and front yard.
1971
A Full-Time Leap
After nearly a decade of balancing two jobs, Adrian made the bold decision to leave his full-time position at GM and dedicate himself fully to the garden centre. It was a leap that came with sacrifice, including entire years when he went without pay to keep the business afloat.
1976
A Storefront Takes Shape
Adrian purchased the neighbouring gas station on a one-acre lot and began converting it into a retail store, with the help of his wife and children. A small greenhouse was built to connect the new storefront to the original growing space. That old gas station still stands in the nursery yard today.
1988
More Acres, More Hands
With the business growing steadily, Adrian began renting an additional eight acres from a neighbouring property and built temporary greenhouses to expand production. Around this time, his children began joining the company, bringing new energy and helping shape the future of the nursery.
1994
Retail Revival
With business expanding rapidly, the original greenhouse was rebuilt into a larger, more functional space that still forms the heart of our store today. In its early years, the space pulled double duty, serving as both a production area and a retail hub.
1997
Growing Up (and Out)
To replace the patchwork of older, worn-down structures, new production greenhouses were built near the store. Designed for long-term use and greater efficiency, these buildings gave our growing operations a much-needed upgrade and they’re still serving us well today.
1999
Shuffling Spaces
Just a couple of years later, retail had outgrown the space it shared with production. To make room, production was fully relocated, and the entire original greenhouse was converted into dedicated retail space.
2000
Where Growth Got Serious
With demand growing and space getting tight, another eight acres of neighbouring land were purchased to expand production. Over the next two years, the team built our largest glass greenhouse, adding over 120,000 square feet (3 acres!) of indoor growing space. This new facility became the heart of our production operation and allowed us to grow a wider variety of plants more efficiently than ever before.
2014
The Greenhouse Gets a New Generation
The next wave of the Vandermeer family (Mr. V's grandkids) started joining the business full-time, fresh out of school and ready to get their hands dirty. With backgrounds in accounting, landscape design, and greenhouse technology, they brought a mix of new skills and a shared commitment to carrying on the family tradition. (Photo: 1997)
2015
Making Space Work Smarter
When roadwork led to new parking lot entrances, it gave us the chance to rethink and streamline our outdoor layout. We combined our tree, shrub, perennial, and sun-loving annual departments into one cohesive space. The yard was also fully interlocked to improve accessibility and our water collection systems were expanded to capture and recycle more rainwater.
2016
Room To Grow
An additional 16 acres of neighbouring land were purchased, bringing our total up to roughly 36 acres. The added space gave us the flexibility to plan for future builds, adapt to changes in the industry, and explore new directions for the business.
2017
A Taste of Ontario
We started our produce market in 2017, stocking only fresh fruits and vegetables grown by Ontario farmers. It’s been steadily expanding ever since and remains focused on freshness, quality, and supporting our local farming community.
2018
Paving the Way
After years of navigating gravel and puddles, we finally tackled a full parking lot overhaul. Our three-year project included an upgraded water collection system and, finally, proper paving. We’re proud to now offer a fully paved and accessible space that makes visiting easier and more comfortable for everyone.
2023
A Sweet New Addition
A young local entrepreneur came to us with a dream and an iconic pink coffee trailer that she built and hand-painted herself. She was looking for a place to park and support her very first permit, and we were happy to give her a home here at the nursery. Her small business has quickly become a beloved addition, bringing warmth, sweet treats, and community to our greenhouse.
Present Day
Still Growing Strong
Today, Vandermeer Nursery is proudly operated by the second and third generations of the Vandermeer family. While much has changed since Adrian built his first greenhouse, the heart of the business remains the same: a commitment to quality, community, and sharing our passion for plants. (Photo: 2018, missing one third-generation owner)
