Dutch florist decorating Spruce Meadows showjumping for decades

Heleen Valstar and her daughter Kim Vingerling have been bringing a world of color to the Spruce Meadows Masters tournament near Calgary for an impressive 36 years. What started as a small venture with just a few thousand stems of flowers has now grown to over 100,000 stems and four tonnes of flowers and greens, making the venue a vibrant and welcoming place for visitors.

The planning process for the floral arrangements starts months in advance, with Valstar and her team now having a dedicated space in a warehouse on the grounds to work their magic. However, in the early days, it was a much simpler setup, with Valstar recalling working in the rain and freezing temperatures to create beautiful displays for the tournament.

The relationship between Valstar and Spruce Meadows began through connections with flower exporters in the Netherlands, where she worked from a young age. When the venue was in need of a florist, Valstar seized the opportunity to bring her expertise and creativity to the tournament.

Over the years, the venue has retained its family-like atmosphere, with multiple generations of the Southern family involved in the operations. Valstar feels at home at Spruce Meadows, surrounded by familiar faces and suppliers who have been part of the journey for a long time.

Valstar’s daughter, Kim Vingerling, has followed in her mother’s footsteps and now works as a partner in the family business. Despite not initially planning to join the floral industry, Vingerling found the job satisfaction and creativity of the work drew her in, leading to a fulfilling career alongside her mother.

Both Valstar and Vingerling appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the people in Calgary, making them feel welcome and connected to the city. With a strong relationship with the Netherlands, they find a sense of home away from home in the prairie city.

As they continue to bring color and beauty to the Spruce Meadows Masters, Heleen Valstar and Kim Vingerling are proud to have been a part of the tournament’s legacy for so many years, adding their unique touch to the event each year. The recent surge in interest in sustainable living has led many people to explore alternative ways of living that reduce their impact on the environment. One such trend that has gained popularity in recent years is the tiny house movement.

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