Looking back, it’s not hard to understand why Greenway Blooming Centre is flourishing. It has all the elements of a business success story – a solid background in horticulture, an innovative spirit, a strong work ethic, a loyal staff, and good old ‘European hospitality’.

Sabina, a professional florist in Switzerland, has a strong background in European garden plants and an eye for design and colour. Kees, whose agricultural background includes plant breeding and seed research, has traveled the world in a corporate environment.
In the mid-80s, the Kennemas purchased a farm in Monkton, Ontario and turned it into a productive sheep farm where they developed agri- and eco-tourism. By 1989, Sabina’s flower hobby had blossomed into a flourishing business they called Highlight Blooming Centre.

Kees built a greenhouse for Sabina’s dried flowers in 1992. They added some bedding plants to fill up the extra space and, in fact, became the first farmers to produce patio tomatoes. That innovation was a huge success. Today, Highlight Blooming Centre is a modern 20,000 sq. ft. greenhouse complex where the Kennemas grow their own sturdy and beautiful annuals, fascinating perennial collection, fragrant winter-hardy roses, fresh herbs, and Butterfly and Hummingbird attracting plants.

Acting on another opportunity, the Kennemas purchased an established nursery in Breslau, Ontario in 1997. This new enterprise – now Greenway Blooming Centre – allowed them to increase their popular hanging baskets from a mere 250 in 1992, to 15,000 hanging baskets today.

Truly a family business, the Kennemas and their three grown sons continue to live their dream at Greenway Blooming Centre. Whether helping with flower deliveries, or working in the greenhouse after school, the boys have developed the same strong work ethic and share the same love of nature as their parents.

Under the mentorship of John G. Powers - The Butterfly Man® - the youngest Kennema son has turned his own passion into a business. A member of both the Canadian Butterfly Breeders Association and the International Butterfly Breeders Association, Marco’s Butterfly Farm breeds butterflies for release at special occasions such as weddings and parties.

The innovation continues as Greenway Blooming Centre offers unique and exotic Canada-hardy plants from Europe, South America and New Zealand; garden workshops and seminars; habitat restoration and heritage plants, and more. This summer, the Kennema family introduces the Naturium – a unique Butterfly & Hummingbird Centre offering informative displays, a farm gift shop, a seminar room for workshops and school visits, and Butterfly Days® events. For more information and updates, visit www.naturium.ca.

Come, walk around and experience Greenway Blooming Centre for yourself. Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by a Butterfly or Hummingbird from the natural habitat in the nursery. The Kennema family and staff are on hand to answer your questions, offer advice, deliver your plants to your vehicle, and share their growing passion.