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Northend Gardens, Jordan Station, Ontario

Grower Ted Oorsprong and his wife Carrie welcomed us at their 200,000 square feet farm in Jordan Station, Ontario. They started in 1990 on a 15 acre farm and have been growing flowering finished products, and young plants for bedding and cut flowers. For the last couple of years they have been focusing on the production of the Medinilla. Currently they are the only grower to grow this variety in the U.S. and Canada.
Grower Ted Oorsprong and his wife Carrie welcomed us at their 200,000 square feet farm in Jordan Station, Ontario. They started in 1990 on a 15 acre farm and have been growing flowering finished products, and young plants for bedding and cut flowers. For the last couple of years they have been focusing on the production of the Medinilla. Currently they are the only grower to grow this variety in the U.S. and Canada.
Carrie and her son Jon toured us around to show the Medinilla production; the unique exotic plant that Northend Gardens introduced to the U.S. and Canada. The Oorsprong family got acquainted with the variety six years ago during a visit to Holland and ever since they have been focusing on the commercial production of this exclusive variety.
Carrie and her son Jon toured us around to show the Medinilla production; the unique exotic plant that Northend Gardens introduced to the U.S. and Canada. The Oorsprong family got acquainted with the variety six years ago during a visit to Holland and ever since they have been focusing on the commercial production of this exclusive variety.
The introduction of the Medinilla changed the entire infrastructure of Northend Gardens. As not much was not known on the large scale commercial production, the Oorsprong family had to figure out many of the growing strategies themselves. They retrofitted their greenhouses for example with double shade cloths because the cuttings require low light levels.
The introduction of the Medinilla changed the entire infrastructure of Northend Gardens. As not much was not known on the large scale commercial production, the Oorsprong family had to figure out many of the growing strategies themselves. They retrofitted their greenhouses for example with double shade cloths because the cuttings require low light levels.
The production time of the Medinalla takes up an entire year. After importing un-rooted cuttings from Holland, the Oorsprong's started to keep their own stockplant for two years now.
The production time of the Medinalla takes up an entire year. After importing un-rooted cuttings from Holland, the Oorsprong's started to keep their own stockplant for two years now.
Jon Oorsprong shows a Medinalla cutting.
Jon Oorsprong shows a Medinalla cutting.
Currently 50% of Northend Gardens production is dedicated to the Medinilla.
Currently 50% of Northend Gardens production is dedicated to the Medinilla.
Carrie Oorsprong explained that the Medinilla is a very labour intensive crop and requires many different climates during various production stages. Therefore Northend installed a moving bench system with roller conveyors to transport the plants across the operations.
Carrie Oorsprong explained that the Medinilla is a very labour intensive crop and requires many different climates during various production stages. Therefore Northend installed a moving bench system with roller conveyors to transport the plants across the operations.
Cuttings on the bench system.
Cuttings on the bench system.
The hanging baskets with ferns provide a shade above the Medinilla cuttings.
The hanging baskets with ferns provide a shade above the Medinilla cuttings.
Besides hanging basket ferns and the Medinilla, Northend also grows a large quantity of spring bedding plants. It is their goal to expand the Medinilla production to 80 or 100% in the next years.
Besides hanging basket ferns and the Medinilla, Northend also grows a large quantity of spring bedding plants. It is their goal to expand the Medinilla production to 80 or 100% in the next years.
Northend Gardens grows two varieties of the Medinilla; the Dolce Vita and the Magnifica. In the United States the pre-finished plants are available at Ball Horticulture.
Northend Gardens grows two varieties of the Medinilla; the Dolce Vita and the Magnifica. In the United States the pre-finished plants are available at Ball Horticulture.
Carrie told about the challenging production schemes and how they use biological controls to cope with pests and diseases.
Carrie told about the challenging production schemes and how they use biological controls to cope with pests and diseases.
The exotic plants are native to the mountainous region of the Philippines.
The exotic plants are native to the mountainous region of the Philippines.
The Medinilla won several prices since its introduction in North America. The Magnifica won best new flowering plant at TPIE show in Florida and scooped the Retailers Choice Award at the 2015 Farwest Show in Oregon.
The Medinilla won several prices since its introduction in North America. The Magnifica won best new flowering plant at TPIE show in Florida and scooped the Retailers Choice Award at the 2015 Farwest Show in Oregon.
Northend introduced several tools to position the Medinilla in the market. Special vases, sleeves and a consumer website are among their marketing strategy.
Northend introduced several tools to position the Medinilla in the market. Special vases, sleeves and a consumer website are among their marketing strategy.