Our History

Wierenga Greenhouses Ltd is a family owned and operated Canadian greenhouse business proudly growing ferns under the label – Fern Fascination. With roots in a Dutch growing heritage, Wierenga Greenhouses Ltd was incorporated in 1975 and has since evolved to become the premier grower it is today. Wierenga Greenhouses Ltd has experienced many blessings and trials through its’ 35 year history. Although the beginnings were rather humble, it’s with thankfulness that today we can enjoy a modern production facility with some of the industry’s latest production and marketing innovations.

Ludolf (Louis) and Wilhelmina (Miep) Wierenga actually started the business in the early 1960’s. Louis and Miep, who had emigrated from the Netherlands in 1954, had begun their married life in Toronto, Ontario where Louis worked for the City of Toronto in the Parks and Recreation Division. In 1963, they moved to a small property in St. Catharines, Ontario where Louis began his own landscaping company. This property contained two small greenhouses and before long a variety of plants were being grown to supplement Louis’ landscape needs. The evolution from those two greenhouses to fulltime greenhouse operator was challenging and rewarding at the same time. In addition to the demands of an expanding business, there were the ongoing demands of raising seven growing children.

The greenhouses quickly grew to more than 1500 sq metres at this St. Catharines location. It became evident that any future expansion would not be happening in St. Catharines. In 1975, Louis and Miep purchased a property in Pelham, Ontario that contained 2800 sq metres of empty glass houses, plenty of land for expansion and promise for a bright future. Their oldest son, Lloyd was also becoming involved in the business at this time. A hope for the future, however, turned to discouragement with losses incurred during the blizzard of 1977 and the freezing out of 4 of 10 greenhouses. Another tragic blow came with the news that Louis was diagnosed with terminal cancer and quickly succumbed to his illness.

Although those early years were difficult, there continued to be opportunity to turn the business around and meet the needs of an increasing clientele. In 1983, another son, Pete joined the business and the two brothers continued the legacy that their parents had begun. The next 15 years saw investments made in people, automation, expansions, and crops. Today the business is a modern production facility with a growing area of nearly 7000 sq metres. Wierenga Greenhouses Ltd and Fern Fascination is properly aligned and positioned to meet the needs of their valued customers going forward.