Centuries before Fleuris Orchard & Blooms
Nestled on the traditional lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, Fleuris Orchard & Blooms thrives on one of the few remaining farmlands along the narrow, bucolic Glendenning Road, which leads to PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park). This land, steeped in history, was part of the region’s first active farmland, with mixed crops, livestock, and dairy farming. Purchased by the Glendenning family in 1876—who had been farming in Ontario—from the Hudson’s Bay Company, the land was originally appropriated from the First Nations. Over the years, it has transformed, but its deep connection to nature endures, lovingly tended today by Julie Rémy, owner of Fleuris Orchard & Blooms.
About the Blenkinsop Valley Farming History
A Family Legacy Reimagined
Fleuris is deeply rooted in its family home and the land: a 2.26-acre orchard and forested area owned by Julie’s in-laws, Mary and Earl. Once their hobby farm, Glendenning Farm focused on plant sales and fruit production. When Mary and Earl purchased the property, the house and land were in dire condition after years of neglect by the previous owner, a gentleman farmer who, due to old age, could no longer care for it. The once-thriving orchard had been overtaken by blackberry bushes, requiring years of dedicated love and hard work to restore. Dwight, Julie’s husband and a full-time landscaper, played a pivotal role in reclaiming the land alongside his parents. Today, the farm serves as the heart of Fleuris Orchard & Blooms, providing a sustainable source of flowers for local florists, Julie’s artistic designs, and workshops. In addition to floriculture and floristry, Fleuris honours the family’s legacy by sharing the orchard’s bounty, including berries from 30-year-old blueberry bushes lovingly tended through the years.
Cultivating Beauty to Nourish the Soul
Fleuris Orchard & Blooms is more than a flower farm; it is a sanctuary where beauty flourishes and nature thrives. Guided by Julie’s passion and vision, the once-overgrown orchard has been transformed into a seasonal tapestry of colour and fragrance intermingled throughout the orchard. These efforts regenerate the land and foster a thriving ecosystem of pollinators, amplifying fruit production in the orchard. Fleuris’ floral creations are designed to share the magic of nature, inviting you to pause, reflect, and connect with the beauty that surrounds us—beauty we too often take for granted.
From Vision to Reality
Fleuris was born from the vision of Julie Rémy, a Montreal-born photographer turned floral artist, gardener, and specialty cut flower grower. After years of traveling the globe as a humanitarian photographer, Julie was drawn back to Vancouver Island, a place she had called home in her twenties. Inspired by the region’s lush natural beauty and her in-laws’ family farm, Julie envisioned a space where artistry, love for nature, and a desire to give back to the land could intertwine seamlessly. Fleuris Orchard & Blooms is the realization of that dream, rooted in sustainability and a profound respect for nature.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At the heart of Fleuris is a dedication to sustainable farming and floral design practices. Julie embraces regenerative growing methods, nurturing the farm’s natural ecosystem and following the rhythm of the seasons. By cultivating a diverse array of seasonal blooms and drawing inspiration from the garden itself, each floral creation reflects the essence of the local landscape. Every stem tells a story of stewardship and sustainability, embodying the transformative power of nature when paired with creativity and care.
An Invitation to Connect
Fleuris Orchard & Blooms embodies the belief that while food nourishes the body, beauty has the power to nourish the soul. Through Julie’s floral creations, you are invited to bring a piece of this sanctuary into your space or make your special occasions truly extraordinary. Together, we continue to transform this land into a haven where beauty and sustainability flourish, creating a legacy deeply rooted in the present and inspired by a brighter, more sustainable future.
