About
A family business… rooted in quality
For over 60 years, our goal has been to produce top quality products for our customers… because your success is our success.
Our story…
At Colonial, we’re committed to being a one-stop shopping destination for all your floral needs, whether you need finished product ready for retail or rooted cuttings to finish for your own production. With over 12 acres of greenhouse dedicated to plant propagation, we have carefully selected the best genetics available in today’s market.
We believe that quality is paramount and are dedicated to producing excellent plant material for our customers. Our portfolio of plant material has grown considerably over the past 60 years, and is a result of input from plant trials, customer feedback and our own finished product. We believe your success is our success… which is defined by beautiful blooms.
Our History
After World War II, many Dutch citizens left their native country in search of opportunities. Twenty-three-year-old Ted van der Zalm was one of them. Ted joined his brother John in Canada, eventually purchasing a rundown flower shop in St. Catharines, Ontario in 1957. At the time of purchase, Colonial Flower Shop was netting a whopping $5 per week, which would translate to fifty bucks today.
Other family members soon joined them in Canada, including brothers Jim, Clemens, and Arnold and their mother. Together, the van der Zalm family worked hard to make ends meet, taking on extra jobs until the flower business began to flourish. As the business grew, Colonial Flower Shop expanded its operations, supplying finished flowers to retail chains and rooted cuttings to growers. Today, Colonial is a leading supplier of high-quality plant materials.
Over the years, there have been many changes such as automatic watering and misting, computer controls, shade systems, rolling shipping carts, hot water heating and a biomass boiler. However, one thing hasn’t changed… Our unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Team
Meet Our Team
Get to know our team… the people behind the blooms.
Our Clients
Why not add your name to our growing list of clients?
Careers
Ready to put down some roots?
Don’t have a green thumb? No worries... we're always willing to train good people.