For over six decades, Van Belle Flowers has been more than just a florist in the Durham and Clarington regions. It’s a cornerstone of the community, known for its personalized service, creative artistry and deep-rooted family values. Managed by Ruth, Martha, Jackie and Karen Van Belle, the business is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist to create a lasting legacy.
In a region with no shortage of florists, Van Belle Flowers stands out due to its history. “We’re probably the most well-known florist in the area, having been in business for over 60 years,” Ruth said. What sets them apart is their commitment to quality and personal touch, she added.
“Every order, whether purchased in person, by phone, or online, gets meticulous attention,” Martha explained. “Our staff, many of whom have been with us for 15 to 20 years, treat every arrangement as if it were their own.”
“My parents always taught us to make sure the customers are always taken care of,” said Ruth. “That’s been embedded in us from day one, customers are the No. 1 priority.” This philosophy has defined Van Belle Flowers, helping the business build a loyal customer base and win local “Favourite Florist” awards for over a decade.
Van Belle Flowers isn’t just about selling bouquets; it’s about creating connections. “The way you handle problems defines your business,” Martha and Ruth said. “If a customer isn’t satisfied, it’s about listening, finding a solution and making them happy. That’s how you build trust, and trust is everything.”
This dedication to quality has earned Van Belle Flowers the “Favourite Florist” title by Teleflora, an international floral wire service, in the Durham and Clarington regions.
Beyond creating stunning floral arrangements, the store itself offers a dynamic shopping experience. “When you walk into our store, it’s always fresh and exciting. We change our displays seasonally and even rearrange within seasons to give customers a new experience every time,” said Ruth.
As awareness of environmental impact grows, so does the demand for sustainably sourced flowers. Van Belle Flowers has made it a priority to meet this demand through their partnerships with the Pick Ontario program and sustainable farms in Ecuador and Colombia. “We participate in Pick Ontario, which is an organization of flower growers in the St. Catharines area. We try to purchase from these local growers as much as we can to support our community,” Martha said.
In addition to their local partnerships, Van Belle Flowers sources a significant portion of their products from eco-conscious farms abroad. “We’ve made a real conscious decision to purchase from companies that are Rainforest Alliance certified,” Martha said. “These companies practice tree rejuvenation, water retention and take care of their staff with medical benefits, school programs and meals. It’s important to us that when our customers buy flowers, they know they’re supporting ethical and sustainable practices.”
Van Belle Flowers doesn’t just follow trends; they create them. A notable example is their involvement in the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s Harvest Ball. For nearly 40 years, Van Belle Flowers has worked with the foundation to create immersive, themed decor for the annual fundraising event. From transforming venues into Phantom of the Opera-style settings to constructing intricate corn mazes, their artistry has left lasting impressions. “People talked about those events for years,” Ruth said. “It was rewarding to kick-start something so memorable.”
The team has also made significant contributions to causes like the Run for the Cure, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research. “When our sister-in-law Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer, it became even more personal,” Martha said. “We rejuvenated our participation, donating flowers and forming teams. It’s a cause that means a lot to us.”
The roots of the business run deep in the family, with siblings, cousins and now younger generations contributing to its success. “Our brother was a huge part of the business before he passed away,” Ruth and Martha said. “Working together every day brought us closer as a family. Now, it’s four women—Martha, myself and our sister-in-law—running the business, and we’re proud of what we’ve built together.”
This family-first philosophy extends to their team. “We’ve always believed in supporting our staff’s work-life balance,” Ruth noted. “If someone needs time for their kids or family commitments, we accommodate that. In return, they go above and beyond during busy periods, creating a culture of mutual respect.”
As the floral industry evolves, Van Belle Flowers continues to adapt while maintaining its core values. From embracing digital orders to creating innovative displays, they see challenges as opportunities. “Being creative is a big part of what we do,” Ruth said. “Whether it’s designing urns or merchandising the store, we always try to do something unique to catch the customer’s eye.”
New customer Emily Clarke, who recently visited the shop for the first time, shared her excitement after hearing about Van Belle Flowers from a friend. “They told me this was the place to go for flowers and now I see why. The arrangements are beautiful and the team is so welcoming. You can tell they put so much heart into everything they do,” she said, while admiring the vibrant seasonal displays.
Looking ahead, Van Belle Flowers is hopeful about continuing their family legacy. The next generation, now in their 20s and 30s, is beginning to express interest in the business.
Ruth’s advice for those starting a business is simple yet profound: “Surround yourself with good people, whether it’s family or staff. Treat your team with respect and prioritize them as individuals with families of their own. And most importantly, enjoy what you do, because that passion is what keeps you going.”