With a mere two years’ experience in flower production, Petro and Willie Pretorius procured two adjoining smallholdings, in Modder East Orchards, just outside Delmas, in October 1987.
A house, garage and old dairy were the only few buildings on the small piece of land, but according to the (then) owner there were lots of water in the borehole.
Willie and four pairs of willing hands set out to clear the ground and erect four greenhouses.
“Here we are going to grow flowers!”
During December 1987, the family moved into the house, and the small team started growing flowers in earnest.
Funding became a concern for the young-business-owners, when it became clear that the “banks” could not fathom flowers being grown in a “mielie” farm community.
Three months later, after many plans, just the basic tools and equipment, and a very expensive new borehole – the first flower crop was harvested.
The appointment of a driver – who still works part time in his old age – boosts deliveries, as the demand for quality flowers rapidly grew.
After a mere two years, the goals set out in their five-year-plan, were met, and the small flower farm continues to grow, due to re-investment of profits.
Through the years, many flower varieties have been tried and grown, but it soon became apparent that the hardy Chrysanthemum sprays will be this farms signature product.
More greenhouses where erected, more employees, and later a son Leon and his wife Tanja, also came to join the team.
Further developments, some changes, good and bad years, shapes the flower farm – but still the plan remains.
Grow a quality product, create job opportunities, that will benefit the community.
Currently with our dependable office personnel who keeps everything running smoothly, and the men – together with our loyal employees in the greenhouses, that keep the quality and production at the highest level as far as possible.
