Allan Groen and Manja Bastian jokingly describe themselves as, “the most boring couple you’ll ever meet, a librarian and an accountant”. After working and traveling overseas, these two former city slickers retired to the country and realized they needed to add some excitement back into their lives. With a nod to their Dutch heritage, in the Fall of 2019, they started Green Corners U-pick Tulip Farm on their 13 acres in Ottawa. They have since expanded into other seasonal flowers like sunflowers, snapdragons, and zinnias. They are always willing to share the beauty of blooms with their new community of friends.
Allan Groen and Manja Bastian
Alanna Groen-Brunsting
Alanna has always felt like she could work anywhere as long as she liked her co-workers. Thank goodness she likes her parents, the owners of Green Corners! Alanna worked as a nurse but decided to change careers after starting her family. She currently handles the farm’s social media, customer questions, website updates, bulk cut-flower orders, and wedding arrangements. Alanna recently relocated with her husband and kids to Ottawa after working remotely from Waterloo for the first 2.5 years of the farm’s operation. Don’t be surprised if you see Alanna’s two young children “helping” around the farm!
Debit, the resident farm cat
Debit is our resident farm cat. His name is inspired by co-owner Manja’s accounting profession. He is a very gentle and friendly cat who loves to play and do tricks. He is often hanging around the check-in area because he knows that is where he gets treats. He is curious about dogs and will often try to play with them, but will run away if chased by them.
Debit is Manager of the Pest Control Department, a customer service representative, a participant on the Morale Committee, and a product model.
Debit lives and works in an indoor and outdoor environment. He is neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated.
