Van Belle Nursery was founded in 1973 by
Bill and Grace Van Belle (pictured, at right). Still active in the company today, Bill and Grace began with 10 acres of bare field and the idea of growing product for people they knew in the Ontario landscape and garden centre market. These relationships strengthened and multiplied, and today the nursery has grown into a thriving wholesale nursery with customers across North America, multiple growing sites, employees from around the world, and a reputation for innovative growing and shipping processes.
1970s
In 1973, the Van Belles built their first wood-framed greenhouse and three growing beds. Like any fledgling business, the beginning was challenging, and Bill took on landscaping jobs to keep the nursery running. By 1978, Bill was able to move on from landscaping and devote his time fully to the nursery. VBN was already showing signs of their innovative approach by moving away from field-planted stock and more exclusively into container grown plants.
1980s
In 1981, VBN purchased an additional 10 acres, and evolved their production toward growing containerized plants exclusively. In 1983 the last field-grown plant was sold, marking a milestone in their ongoing focus on innovation.
1990s
In 1990 a loading dock was built, and VBN began loading trucks by forklift instead of by hand. In 1994, VBN acquired their Clayburn site, a 35 acre parcel two miles from the main Hallert site. With its unique micro-climate, Clayburn became home to VBN’s 4” liner production and for its more tender hydrangeas and broadleaf containers. In 1995 the nursery hit another milestone, producing over 1 million young plants. VBN also added a high tech greenhouse run at the Clayburn site to enable ongoing growth and improved production.
2000-Present
With nearly 3 million young plants produced in the past year, VBN continues to grow and to explore new innovations. In 2002, the nursery installed a Dutch rolling bench system, which currently has expanded to cover approximately 8 acres. The bench and rail system brings the work to the people, maximizes growing space, and eliminates the need for tractors to move plants. VBN also developed a mobile pruner and herbicide dispenser that allows for continuous care and shaping of our product.
Today, VBN’s growing space includes a total of 80 acres on three sites. We ship over 500 varieties of shrubs, vines and perennials across North America, and offer both mainstay and leading edge varieties. VBN offers many patented varieties, and is a Goldkey grower of Proven Winners Color Choice shrubs.
In 2004, Dave Van Belle, son of Bill and Grace, took on the role of leading VBN as General Manager. While Bill and Grace remain active in the company, Dave is leading the company with energy and vision, building a team that continues VBN’s tradition of innovation, and its commitment to building strong relationships with customers and partners.
(PS: Click here to see a photo of Bill and Grace "back in the day")