Our Heritage

 The History of Connon Nurseries

 

John Connon immigrated to Canada from Aberdeen Scotland in 1895. While working for the Robert Evans Seed Company of Hamilton, he realized the need for the sales and distribution of trees and shrubs to local farmers. In October of 1906, his dream of supplying farmers was realized when the John Connon Floral Co. Ltd. was incorporated with greenhouses and a sales office located in Hamilton. In 1912 the new name of John Connon Company Ltd. was incorporated, and a catalogue from that year indicates that Connon Nurseries supplied a comprehensive list of items. Several relocations occurred in the first twenty years of the company (all within the Hamilton / Stoney Creek area), until 1922 when the family moved to First Street in Waterdown.

From 1931 until 2017, Connon Nurseries was located at 383 Dundas Street in Waterdown, where we continued supplying both retail and wholesale markets with quality plants and landscape products. Market demand inspired expansion into the production of perennials, shrubs, evergreens, trees, ornamental grasses and water plants. In 1989 the first of several farms in the Waterdown area was acquired and has since been redeveloped as our Waterdown Sales Yard on Robson Road. This Sales Yard is stocked with over 20 acres of product locally grown on our nearby farms.

Realizing the growth potential in the Eastern Ontario market, a second sales location serving both the retail and wholesale markets was opened in Trenton, Ontario where our team has been serving the area for over 25 years.

Our Newmarket Sales Yard opened in the spring of 2020 and is located on 25 acres in King, Ontario. Providing trade professionals and home gardeners with quality plants and products shipped fresh from our farms in Waterdown, this location serves the surrounding area plus the bordering GTA.

Reflecting back, we are fortunate to be a part of an industry that is filled with growth, loyal customers, and excellent staff. Our team has grown to over 200 full-time and seasonal staff that are knowledgeable and dedicated to their work. We value and thank them for their professionalism, experience and skills that have helped to grow our company.

Looking forward, we have a vision similar to the roots from which Connon Nurseries began. To produce and supply the plants that beautify and enrich our homes, outdoor spaces, and our environment. Since 1906, Connon Nurseries has been growing; we look forward to Planting Together for the Future.