Where Love Takes Root: The Windmill Story
Windmill was born from a love story - one carried across an ocean by two young couples who believed in each other, in opportunity, and in the quiet power of growing something meaningful. When John and Ted van Zanten left Holland with their wives, Marie and Bep, they left behind familiarity for possibility. They carried with them generations of horticultural knowledge and a shared determination to build a life defined by hard work, family, and the beauty of plants. Windmill is the symbol of that promise: a tribute to the courage it takes to begin again in a new land.
As the families put down roots in Canada, their dream grew alongside their children. Days in the warehouse, nights planning the next season, weekends filled with planting, packing, and laughter - those early years were defined by effort and devotion in equal measure. The Windmill brand captures the spirit of this beginning. The boy offering flowers to the girl is more than a logo; it represents the connection between people, the gesture of care, and the belief that something as simple as a flower can carry the weight of love, gratitude, and hope.
Today, Windmill stands as the consumer-facing heart of Pan American Nursery Products - a brand shaped by heritage, elevated by quality, and grounded in family. Every plant that carries the Windmill name reflects the same values that carried John and Ted across the Atlantic: craft, commitment, and an unwavering desire to grow something good. Windmill isn’t just a brand - it’s a living reminder that when love and hard work come together; extraordinary things can bloom.
The Story of Our Founders
In Holland, after the end of World War II, an influx of Indo-Dutch repatriates, as well as the post war baby boom, caused severe concerns about overpopulation. There was a housing shortage and the economy was in a downward spiral.
A policy focused on stimulating emigration resulted in approximately 400,000 Dutch citizens moving to Canada, Australia, and USA. Ted and John van Zanten were among those numbers. Five days on a boat followed by another five on rail brought the brothers to British Columbia Canada, and with nothing but the clothes on their backs, they began to build their families and their business together.
Through hard work and dedication, they grew a bulb stand into a multinational corporation, and, with the help of three generations of van Zantens, Pan American Nursery Products is more viable now than ever. Ted and John’s kids and grandkids have never forgotten the values that were instilled in them, and this is evident in the way we do business today.
Fast forward to 2026, and Pan American is an industry leader in providing retail ready plants, while constantly striving to keep prices competitive. Currently, we offer vines, shrubs, small fruits, and perennials, but our primary focus is, and always has been, roses. Our products are marketed under the brand names: Roses by Pan Am, Windmill, and Only the Best. Our Windmill brand pays homage to our origin, while our Only The Best brand embodies the essence of what made us who we are.
Although the world has changed, we have never forgotten where we came from, and this family centered mentality keeps our core strong and our values aligned. Whether you are a retailer or final consumer, our goal remains the same, to provide you with the best product and support available from over 65 years of industry leading enthusiasm and experience.
