Reaching back to 1985
Our family-owned business has seamlessly transitioned from in-person to online, maintaining the same unwavering commitment to quality and service. With decades of experience, we take pride in offering top-notch products and exceptional service to our valued customers.
The Benedetto Story 🌱: A Family Tradition Rooted in the Land
In 1967, Joe and Carmela purchased a quaint 50-acre property near Woodbine Avenue and Stouffville Road. It was just open land, full of potential — but for them, it was the start of a dream. By 1973, they were working the land, and by 1975, it was in full bloom, with rows of sweet corn stretching toward the sun.
Before farming, Joe and Carmela tried their hands at a few businesses — a dry cleaners, a pizzeria — always searching for something that felt like home. That feeling arrived when they returned to Carmela’s roots: farming. Raised in a farming family, Carmela understood the patience and pride that came with tending the land. Joe, ever the entrepreneur, believed in her instincts and joined her in the work with dedication and heart.
With four young children — Rob, Yvonne, Chris, and Carlo — life was challenging, but the family pulled together. Everyone pitched in. They planted, picked, sprayed, shucked, and loaded corn onto buggies to sell by the roadside. On busy days, they made the trek to the Ontario Food Terminal, where their corn became famous across the province for its unbeatable freshness and flavor.
In 1981, the family added greenhouses to their farm, and everything changed. The greenhouses allowed them to grow not just vegetables, but flowers, transforming the land into a vibrant canvas of color. Carmela’s green thumb brought life to every bloom, and soon, their flowers became a cornerstone of the business.
One flower, in particular, became Joe’s favourite — the hydrangea. Known for being fussy, thirsty, and difficult to grow, it was a challenge Joe embraced. He poured hours into perfecting their care, and when they thrived, the results were breathtaking. These hydrangeas became a symbol of the family’s perseverance: delicate, beautiful, and full of heart.
In 1985, the family took another step and opened a small pop-up stand at the York Farmers Market in Thornhill. It was their way of bringing the farm directly to the community. Back then, few places offered fresh flowers and organic produce with a personal touch, and their little stand quickly became a favorite among locals.
By the late ‘90s, their youngest son, Carlo, had taken charge of the market stand. With a keen eye for quality, Carlo transformed the stand into a true destination — a place where people didn’t just shop, but connected with the family and the farm.
In 2017, the next generation took over. Joe and Matt, carried forward the same values: hard work, a passion for quality, and a commitment to putting customers first. As the business grew, they shifted focus to sourcing the best flowers and plants from across Ontario, especially after the sale of the original farm in 2018.
When the York Farmers Market was sold for redevelopment, Joe and Matt knew the story had to continue. So, they brought the business online, keeping the heart of the operation alive while reaching a new generation of customers. The mission remained unchanged: to bring beauty and joy to every home, just as their grandparents had done decades before.
From a humble cornfield to a vibrant online storefront, the essence of the business has always stayed the same. It’s about family. It’s about community. And it’s about growing something beautiful — together.