DeGroot's Nurseries has accomplished something very few independent businesses have.
The London Line operation has been in business for 60 years.
John Degroot says it all began when his parents Jan and Attie immigrated to Sarnia from Holland in 1952.
Degroot's Nurseries at Exmouth and Indian
Working as a janitor at Dow Chemical wasn't Jan's cup of tea, so after selling bulbs and flowers door-to-door, with the help of many of their 11 children, they opened their first nursery at the corner of Exmouth St. and Indian Rd. in 1957.
They moved to their current London Line location in 1981 and now occupy some 45 acres.
He says there have been a lot of changes over the years.
"There's a lot more variety and people are a lot more knowledgeable ," says Degroot. "They get information off the internet. They see a flower or a plant they like and then they hunt it down. There's also a lot more emphasis on outdoor living. People have a lot more leisure time so they have more time to spend in the garden or patio."
He says there are some good reasons for their longevity, despite the fact that big box stores are now in the horticulture business.
"We're nimble, independent, have great service and knowledge and have our ear to the ground to see what's new and exciting. We also branched out and do some very good landscaping work which has developed into a great market for us."
DeGroot's employs 100 full and part-time seasonal workers.