Our Story
Founded in 1959 by G. H. VanKampen, VanKampen's Greenhouses is proud to continue 60 years and counting offering the best produce and floral products to Charlottetown and across the Maritimes.
From the Beginning
The VanKampen's story begins back in 1953, when Gijsbertus H. Van Kampen (G.H.) emigrated to P.E.I from Holland with his father Adrian. They were raised in a large family-run greenhouse with 5 uncles working in the operation, and were looking for new opportunities. The family swore they would never milk cows or work in a greenhouse again. Adrian ended up milking cows most of his life, and G.H. purchased Gay's Market Garden Greenhouse in 1959. The early years at VanKampen's were mostly field crops: brussel sprouts, beans, beets, celery, and summer savoury. In 1963, VanKampen's started growing tomatoes to wholesale to grocers and also diversified into floral varieties and various other bedding plants.
Continuing the Legacy
Sons Charlie and Bill VanKampen took over VanKampen's Greenhouse operation in 1984. VanKampen's Greenhouses grew to a multi-acre operation that produced 10,000 lbs of tomatoes per week, over 15,000 hanging baskets per growing season and numerous other floral and bedding plant varieties.
The Next Generation
In December 2018, VanKampen's sold to The Cassidy family. This expansion sought to preserve the over 60 year legacy VanKampen's has on Prince Edward Island, but to also add new ideas and product lines. These new product lines include additions from Cassidy Farms, and our new VK Florist.
Cassidy Farms, located in Hampton PE is also part of The Cassidy Group. Cassidy Farms grows two permaculture perennial crops with covered rows to prevent soil erosion which can be prevalent in many fields that rotate crops. These are Haskap Berries (Lonicera caerulea) -- Indigo Gem, Indigo Treat, Aurora, Czech 17, and Tundra varieties; and Lavender Flowers (Lavandula angustifolia) -- Munstead, Hidcote, and Phenomenal varieties.
Here at VanKampen's we pride ourselves on growing what we sell, from sowing seeds in January for our retail plants that will sell all summer long, to now having a cut-flower garden of perennials. This cut-flower expansion we now have VK Florist Products such as bouquets, vases, gift baskets, and More!
