In the 1990s, Tim and Maggie Hobbs – a young and driven couple with Kenyan roots – discovered a hidden gem: a beautiful but neglected farm at the foot of Mount Kenya, just a few kilometres from the equator. With their vision and passion for flowers, they transformed the 64-hectare farm, originally focused on dairy and meat production, into a thriving nursery of fragrant roses. This nursery became Tambuzi, now a leading specialist in traditional, fragrant garden roses.

Perfect Conditions for Growing Roses

Tambuzi is located in a unique place, 1,900 metres above sea level, where the conditions are ideal for growing roses. With ten hours of sunshine per day, 800 mm of rainfall per year, and a dedicated team, the roses grow in perfect harmony with nature. The nursery now covers 25 hectares and, besides roses, also offers summer flowers, sustainable forest management, beekeeping, and livestock farming.

The slogan of Tambuzi, ‘Stop and smell the roses’, highlights their philosophy of consciously enjoying life and taking responsibility for the environment. This is evident in their commitment to sustainable farming and the well-being of their workers and the surrounding community.

Social and Sustainable Impact

Tambuzi stands out not only for the quality of their roses but also for their social and ecological involvement. The company offers fair wages, safe working conditions, and professional development opportunities for their employees. They invest in the local community by supporting education, healthcare, and economic initiatives. Moreover, they apply regenerative farming techniques and minimize the use of artificial fertilisers and chemicals. All this makes Tambuzi a true pioneer in sustainable flower growing.

Collaboration with Belle Epoque

At Belle Epoque, we focus on Dutch rose plants and cut roses. In winter, when energy costs for greenhouses rise, we work together with Tambuzi to provide our customers with beautiful, fragrant roses. Thanks to this collaboration, we combine local craftsmanship with sustainable business practices, a core value we hold dear at Belle Epoque.

Tambuzi’s B Corp certification confirms their commitment to social responsibility and environmental management. This certification is only awarded to companies that meet the highest standards for sustainability and transparency. Thanks to their efforts, Tambuzi sets a new standard in the flower industry.

Why Tambuzi Is Inspiring

Tambuzi shows that flowers are not only a source of beauty but also a means to improve lives. With their philosophy of ‘Trade not Aid’, they create jobs and opportunities in a region where fighting poverty is urgently needed. Their journey towards sustainability inspires us at Belle Epoque to pursue the same and to share knowledge to increase our impact.

Social and Sustainable Business for the Future

At Belle Epoque, we are proud to work with Tambuzi. This partnership not only allows us to offer our customers beautiful roses but also to make a positive impact on both people and the environment. Together, we are building a future where flowers not only bloom in our gardens but also in the communities where they are grown.

Available as Cut Rose and as Plant

Did you know that some of our beautiful cut roses, such as the Yves Piaget and Prince Jardinier, are also available as plants? With these varieties, you not only bring beautiful flowers and the scent of roses into your home but also add a piece of sustainable beauty to your own garden. Visit our webshop and discover the options to order your favourite fragrant roses!