Van Zyverden

Van Zyverden is a third-generation company that has kept the values that made it an industry leader while incorporating the latest technology. Adding up-to-date machinery, expanding and modernizing the facilities in both the U.S. and Holland, studying market trends, maintaining long-term partnerships with current suppliers and developing new relationships worldwide keeps Van Zyverden in the forefront of the industry. Founded by Jack Van Zyverden in Holland, the company expanded to include the Canadian company Superior Bulb Co., Ltd., through a partnership with Colin Campbell. Shipments from Holland were halted during World War II and, while temporarily unable to return to Holland, Jack traveled the United States looking for growers to supply the Canadian company. In Washington, Jack found large growers, all originally from Holland, to supply the bulbs. Van Zyverden continues the relationship with these growers today. Jack's sons, Dirk and Paul, were involved in the company from a young age. Dirk and Paul learned the trade and polished their English skills by traveling early on to Canada and working in various businesses. Dirk's first sales trip to the U.S. was in 1950. He visited customers all over the Northeast while Paul, several years later, traveled and sold to the Southeastern part of the country. Van Zyverden Bros. not only grew, but with the leadership and foresight of Jack and his sons, became an innovator by installing the newest equipment available in their warehouse, changing packaging from paper bags and crates to cardboard and constantly looking for ways to improve. Jack was recognized for his business acumen by being elected President of the U.S. Exporters Shipping Companies in Holland. Jack retired in 1966, leaving the running of the family business to Dirk and Paul. In 1972, the company was divided into two entities. Dirk acquired Flower Bulbs, Inc., and its facilities in Edison, New Jersey, while Paul retained Van Zyverden Bros. and the wholesale bulb business and built a new warehouse in Meridian. In 1980, Paul purchased Flower Bulbs, Inc., from Dirk. Paul then further expanded in 1983, by purchasing Brown Bulb Ranch, a well-respected West Coast supplier of bulbs and perennials. Paul retired in 1996, and passed the reins to his children. Current owners Jacqueline Van Zyverden Hogan and Robert A. Van Zyverden are strong believers in honoring the past while planning for the future. In 2001, Jacqueline and Robert purchased Van Bloem Gardens as their subsidiary to focus on the independent garden center business while Van Zyverden, Inc., concentrated on expanding their business relationships with the mass-market retailers and mid-sized chain stores. They continue to be forward-thinkers and are always looking for new ideas and innovations to keep Van Zyverden a leader in the bulb business. Van Zyverden supports the bulb industry through their active participation in Anthos (the Royal Trade Association for Nursery Stock and Flower Bulbs), the National Garden Bureau and is a proud participant in the Dig. Drop. Done™ and iBulb marketing campaigns to promote the flower bulb industry and invigorate consumer interest in bulb gardening.