Blooming Against the Odds: The Great Revival of Avon Valley Floral 

In the heart of Falmouth, Nova Scotia, nestled amid rolling farmland and sea-kissed skies, grows a company that has become a vibrant anchor of both its industry and its community. Avon Valley Floral (AVF) is no ordinary greenhouse operation. With a legacy dating back to 1937 and a future that looks increasingly bright, AVF stands as a striking example of what’s possible when local pride, strategic thinking, and a whole lot of teamwork come together.

Today, AVF is known across Atlantic Canada for its top-quality cut flowers, lush bedding plants, dish gardens, potted plants, and florist supplies. But its success didn’t happen overnight—and certainly not without some hard seasons along the way.

A New Chapter Begins

The company’s recent history begins in 2012, when a group of managers stepped in to purchase AVF at a pivotal time. The business, once a thriving staple in the local landscape, had entered a period of decline. The new ownership group saw not just a challenge, but a responsibility—one that extended to the dedicated employees, the wider Falmouth community, and the potential of a storied business ready for renewal.

Their mission? Rebuild the business from the ground up: infrastructure, logistics, team culture, and strategy.

Progress was underway when, in 2015, an ice storm devastated over 80% of AVF’s greenhouse space. It was a moment that could have ended the story. Instead, it marked the beginning of a new one.

Growing from the Ground Up

Rather than retreat, the AVF team pushed forward.

Joanna Gould-Thorpe was brought on to help with the implementation of new software.

"The company was looking for a change, they were looking for overall scalability, profitability, and efficiency,” she said. "That was why I came. To tackle some change management. Ostensibly, at the time, it was just to do with new software … but it ended up being a lot more than that. It needed to be a lot more than that."

They pivoted quickly, preserved market share, and made difficult—but visionary—decisions to streamline their product offerings and focus on higher-value crops. These weren’t just survival moves; they were smart business choices that would lay the foundation for a remarkable rebound.

"We had a lot of very detailed customers that needed very specific things. Long lists of custom grows, and custom products,” Joanna said. “You can't create efficiency, and you can't create profitability, when you're trying to be everything to everybody all the time."

The company went all in and put everything they had into re-orienting the company. But the reality of growing things, is all the investment comes early in the year, and all the sales come late.

"We go in the ground starting in February,” Joanna said. “So, at that point all the soil is bought, all the pots are bought, all the plugs and cuttings are bought. We're using fuel hand-over-fist, to heat greenhouses. There's so much outlay at that point."

AVF turned to their local Community Business Development Corporation for help.

Recognizing both the risk and potential, CBDC Hants Kings stepped in, AVF needed immediate financing to replenish stock and infrastructure during a crucial season. CBDC provided that bridge—one that helped AVF meet a major wholesale pilot opportunity and stabilize its financial outlook.

“They saw that we were ready, we were poised, we had a plan, and we just couldn't make it through that little intervening time to get to the season where the sales would happen," Joanna said. They looked at us individually as leaders in the organization. They looked at community impact. They were able to look at all those different aspects and say, 'ok, we can choose to invest in this with you. We can choose to have some faith right along with you,’” Joanna said. “We're quite grateful that they were able to see the path that we saw, and able to look at the vision that we saw."

That partnership proved transformational. Not only did AVF weather the storm, but in the five years that followed, they doubled their greenhouse revenue and positioned themselves as a serious player in the floriculture space.

More Than Flowers

Today, Avon Valley Floral operates across two key business lines. One focuses on wholesale cut flowers, delivering imported blooms and floral supplies to more than four hundred florists throughout Atlantic Canada. The other is its expansive greenhouse operation, which spans 5.5 acres under cover in Falmouth and is re-cropped as many as six times a year.

Their greenhouse work supports large-scale wholesale clients with everything from hanging baskets to seasonal planters. AVF even manages its own logistics network—ensuring swift, fresh deliveries and keeping the personal touch that makes them a go-to for florists big and small.

While their operations run primarily from February to October, the company's rhythm slows gently in late fall, allowing for reflection, rest, and preparation. This seasonal balance mirrors their business philosophy: sustainable, strategic growth rooted in care—for their customers, their team, and the land they work on.

A Company of People

Beyond the greenhouses and floral cooler, AVF’s true strength lies in its people. Many employees have worked there for decades, with one even marking over 50 years of service. During peak seasons, the AVF group employs up to 150 people, making them one of the largest employers in Hants County.

Their culture is people-first. They offer benefits like RRSP matching, support flexible schedules to encourage volunteering, and invest in building a team that is as strong as their product lineup.

Their community contributions go far beyond payroll. AVF is a frequent donor to local initiatives—whether it’s floral donations for pet rescue auctions, participation in fire department fundraisers, or events like their popular “Sip & Stroll” fundraiser, which recently brought in nearly $1,000 for a local breakfast program. It is the kind of impact that doesn’t make headlines but makes a lasting difference.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Today, Avon Valley Floral isn’t just stable—it’s surging. With greenhouse revenue increasing by 100% in just five years and consistent 20% year-over-year growth, they’re building not just for today’s market, but for tomorrow’s demands. In fact, such is the company’s unabated growth that it was awarded the Atlantic Association of CBDC’s 2025 Atlantic Business Award of Distinction.

Looking ahead, their sights are set on bigger questions: How can protected agriculture support climate adaptation? What role can greenhouses play in regional food and floral security? These aren’t idle musings—they’re part of AVF’s plan to become a best-in-class operator, not just in Nova Scotia, but across Canada’s floriculture landscape.

To do that, they’re bringing in new talent, exploring new technologies, and continuing to align their business operations with values that have guided them from day one.

A Quiet Triumph in Bloom

Avon Valley Floral is a story of quiet triumph. From near-collapse to becoming a cornerstone of their region’s agri-business economy, they have proven that steady leadership, bold thinking, and the right partners—like CBDC—can transform a business and lift a community.

Their greenhouses may produce flowers, but what Avon Valley Floral really cultivates is possibility: for their team, for their customers, and for every Nova Scotian who believes that local business can be a force for good.

And in Falmouth, that possibility is blooming beautifully.