Vendor Spotlight: Warmerdam Flowers

What is the history behind Warmerdam flowers? What made you get into the flower business?

Warmerdam Flowers goes back to when Peter Warmerdam and his family came to Canada from the Netherlands after World War II. Eventually, they found themselves in Aldergrove and later bought land in 1974 in the Sumas Prairie Flats in Abbotsford where the farm currently stands. Peter chose the Sumas area because the sandy soil and the wind was good for growing gladiolas. In its 44 years in Abbotsford, the farm has expanded from the small operation it used to be. Currently, it grows cut peonies, sunflowers, daffodils, and tulips. The family business now spans over three generations.

How do you ensure that your flowers are always the best quality?

The flowers are picked at the correct stage (on the tighter side) and are then maintained in post-harvest coolers so they can be delivered to customers fresh, and ready to be put into vases the day of the market.

What are your favorite flowers?

Out of the flowers we sell my favourite are the gladiolas. They look deceivingly boring when tight, but when they open up, they are stunning! My favourite flower overall is definitely a tropical called Passiflora incarnata, otherwise known as purple passionflower. They have beautiful section of it at Vandusen Botanical garden in Vancouver worth checking out!

What do you enjoy the most about selling at farmers markets?

What I enjoy most about the markets is getting to see the day to day interactions that go on between the vendors and customers. Every week I see people learn or get to try something new, which is great. I also just really enjoy making people’s days with flowers whether they are getting them as a gift, treating themselves, or even coming to the booth to smell them!

Why is supporting local important to you?

Supporting local is a beautiful thing. Shopping at the market not only makes us conscientious shoppers, but it also allows us to form a direct relationship with the producer.

 

Summer POP Club – Week 8

Discover the Power of Produce and join the POP Club this Sunday!
June 23 – Week 8: This week in the POP tent we will be doing an activity to get to know your farmer. Stop by the POP tents to sign in (or register), then grab a worksheet and go out into the market to meet the farmers and get to know them. Don’t forget to come back to the POP tent to participate in the 2 Bite Club and complete your passport to get your $3 token, redeemable on any fruits and vegetables in the market.
2 Bite Club: Swiss Chard
The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.
Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Sunday, June 23

Sweet summer fruit is arriving at the market!! Come stock up on these delicious treats while they are fresh and in season!! And check out our many other fantastic local items, too!

Come hungry this Sunday and pick up some brunch/lunch at Come Arepa or Kara’s Crepes.  Don’t forget to grab your Sunday coffee from Biscotti Joe!

Have limited space, but still want to grow your own food? Sign up for this Sunday’s workshop with the City of Coquitlam Inspiration Garden! Learn how to grow your own food in containers, and take home a container to start at home! Get more information HERE!

Join us at the Kids Craft Table to make 3D cherries! Make a few of these fun, pretend snacks, and then pick up some real ones for a real treat!

Musician, Norine Braun, joins us at the Market this Sunday! Get a sneak peek of her music HERE, and catch her live this weekend!

Vendors attending market this Sunday June 23 – Please note this list is subject to change
  • A Bread Affair
  • Amazing FoodBC
  • Aslan Organics
  • Back To Roots Kitchen
  • BCB Honey Farm
  • Beckmann Berry Farm
  • Biscotti Joe
  • Brigitta’s Pottery
  • Central Park Farms
  • Chanthorn Orchids and Thai Curry Sauce
  • Chef Pieter
  • Christina’s Garden
  • ClaywithVal
  • Cocoaro Craft Chocolate
  • Come Arepa
  • CraftWilder
  • Crisp Organics
  • Dee’s Jewelry Box
  • Earth Paws Pet Products
  • Ela Made Me Do It
  • Food Migration
  • Forbidden Fruit Winery
  • Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm
  • Fume-eh Gourmet Foods
  • Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies
  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters
  • Gypsy Jean Jewellery
  • Hill Top Farm
  • Hoochy ‘Booch Kombucha
  • Kara’s Crepes
  • Kics Gourmet Products
  • Kizzy’s Macarons
  • Maan Farms Estate Winery
  • Mama Bear Essentials
  • Mandair Farms
  • Mariner Brewing
  • Metate Bake Shop
  • Nature Pressed Juicery
  • Never Say Die Nursery
  • Occasionally Honey
  • Oyster & King
  • PoCo Soap Co
  • Quality Oak Accents
  • Rai Produce / Harvest Direct Farms
  • Redl’s Home Grown Beef
  • Rockweld Farm
  • S & S Nursery
  • Simply Delish Aritsan Enterprises
  • Sugar Free Kitchen
  • Sweet Thea
  • Tesfa Farms
  • The Cawston Market Farmer
  • Wah Fung Farm
  • Waterside Vineyard and Winery