History

Valentine Rindje and Julia Steigelmar both grew up in German communities in the former Yugoslavia. During WWII they were displaced and lived in various refugee camps until they were able to immigrate to Canada in the early 1950s. Although they shared the same journey, they did not meet until they both landed here in Vancouver. It was fate.

Fast forward 25-30 years,

Valentine left his career as a carpenter and decided to pursue his other passion, gardening. It eventually became a full time business and they opened V&J Greenhouse in Richmond where they grew mainly orchids and bedding plants. The family’s entry to the floral world humbly began at farmers markets brightening people’s day with simple plants and flowers. Soon, their son Peter joined the family business - he will tell you because his parents gave him no choice!

When Granville Island opened,

V&J Plant Shop was there on day one as a day-vendor selling the plants they grew. Eventually, they were able to take over a permanent retail location where you can still find them today. The original sign still proudly hangs over the store. As time and decades pass, the business evolved into a full floral service. Three generations later, granddaughter Eve now runs the shop alongside her father Peter.