When pulling up to the Fortunato Fruits orchard located in Oliver B.C., many first notice the beautiful purple trees right out front. These plants give off the most amazing scent that will make you think of Spring and sunshine. We have had people from all over the country stop by simply to snap a photo with our Wisteria and leave with a bag full of fruit and a smile on their face.
Our Wisteria flowers were first planted over 50 years ago by a wonderful Ukrainian couple who had first owned the property. Linda’s mother Maria immediately fell in love with their beautiful smell and vibrant purple color. A house fire back in 2000 destroyed the home along with many of John/Joao and Linda’s possessions, however, the Wisteria remained standing directly out front. Linda and John/Joao Fortunato replanted the two Wisteria plants in front of the yard as a memoir to Linda’s mother who had passed away the year prior.
“We wanted the Wisteria plants to be one of the first things people see and smell when they stop by, because just like (Linda’s mom) she was such a lively, happy, and outgoing person that you would naturally gravitate to.” Linda continued, “We still wanted her to be a symbolic part of the business even if she isn’t here physically, we have the memory of her.”
