Plants & Flowers From Central Alberta's Experts

Aspen Greenhouses is a modern growing facility that supplies annual and winter hardy perennial plants to national chain stores and independent garden centres across Alberta. We start our plants from seed or unrooted cuttings which are sourced from many different countries around the world. We are continually looking for new varieties as well as growing the favourites that you have come to love. Our greenhouse also offers a retail outlet that is open in the spring season. We sell anything from bedding plants to hanging baskets and planters, come check us out!

History

Bert and Annelies Vander Vlugt grew up in the Netherlands and being surrounded by the greenhouse industry, it was hard not to have a passion for plants. They grew perennials for the seed production and cut flowers for the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. In 1990, Bert and Annelies, with their four sons, immigrated to central Alberta. They grew 7 acres of perennials outside for seed production as well as some hothouse tomatoes in a small greenhouse. In 1993, they purchased land south of Gull Lake and built 19 000 square feet of gutter connected greenhouse. They grew hothouse tomatoes and became a member of the marketing co-op Pik n Pak Produce. They always found some room to grow a few potted plants which were sold at local farmers markets.

Over the years the greenhouse continued to expand and the amount of potted plants increased. In 2002, an expansion of 65 000 square feet was completed along with a larger work area. At that time half the production was hothouse tomatoes and half was potted plants. In 2004, the greenhouse had grown to 117 000 square feet, the decision was made to transition solely into potted plants for the wholesale market. Because of a high demand from the local community, a retail area was opened in 2006.

Two of the sons, Martin and Ferdinand, along with their families, took over ownership of the business in 2018.  With the greenhouse now having grown to 160 000 square feet, and a refreshed focus on retail sales, they continue to grow with an attention to quality and efficiency.