Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
GRAND BEND – What began as a dream from the pages of a Dutch newspaper has blossomed into one of Southwestern Ontario’s most beloved family friendly destinations. This April, Westland Greenhouses celebrates 25 years of business, family, and deep community ties with a two-day open house packed with local flavours, family fun, and of course, plenty of flowers and plants.
Founded by Anita and Paul Van Adrichem, Westland Greenhouses has grown from a potato field into a flourishing garden centre, community hub and large-scale wholesale business. Anita recalls the moment it all began, back in the Netherlands: “I picked up the paper, and there was a picture and story of the property owners. Jerry and Tilly had also immigrated from the same area of Holland many years prior. I said to my husband, ‘I know these people, I know this property. I think this is our future.’” Two years later, the family—with four children under the age of six—made the move to Canada.
The journey to Grand Bend, just north of Sarnia, wasn’t easy. Construction of the greenhouses began while the family was still in Holland. “Mom and Dad flew back and forth during the build,” said daughter Anne Van Adrichem, who now helps run the business alongside her sister Jette. “We stayed with family while they oversaw everything. It was a real team effort from the start.”
That effort paid off. Today, Westland is not just a destination for garden lovers—it’s one of the top three year-round producers of anthuriums and peace lilies in North America, with the busiest times being throughout the winter and spring months. While many know the business for its sprawling garden centre displays and seasonal décor, a large part of its operation is actually wholesale. “The garden centre is the face people see, but the wholesale side is the engine behind it all,” Anita explained.
The 25th anniversary celebration, set for April 26 and 27, reflects both sides of Westland’s identity: family-run business and community cornerstone. The open house will feature a local winery and brewery offering tastings, a food truck, children’s activities including face painting, and a full display of home-grown annuals.
The event will take place at Westland Greenhouses, 10133 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend. “We want to celebrate with the people who made these 25 years possible,” said Anne. “There are customers who came in when we first opened and still shop here today. Now they see my kids running around, like they saw me when I was six years old.”
Community involvement is a pillar of the business. From hosting children’s events to creative workshops, the VanAdrichems have built more than a greenhouse—they have cultivated a space for people to connect. “We try to do as much as we can for others,” Anita said.
Workshops, a key offering throughout the year, range from pansy planting in spring to holiday-themed designs in winter. “This will be our 19th year doing the pansy potting workshop,” Anne said. “It’s become a tradition for a lot of families. And we don’t just provide the plants—we try to educate too, making it fun with raffles and contests.”
Décor items also include antiques brought over from Holland, such as Anita’s childhood bed repurposed as a display, and birdhouses handmade in nearby St. Thomas. “We focus on locally made items and pieces that tell a story,” Anne noted. “That’s part of the experience.”
And that word—experience—keeps coming up. “We want people to have an experience when they walk in, not just buy a plant,” said Anita. “We want them to feel welcome, inspired, and informed.”
As the business prepares to mark a milestone, both Anita and Anne say the focus remains the same. “We are grateful,” Anita said. “Grateful for the support, and excited for the future. Hopefully, we are here for another 25 years.” Anne added, “And we always want feedback—what people want to see, what they don’t. We are always listening.”
