Kwekers Bode UK juni 2024

June 2024

26 J une 2 0 2 4

• Challenges of an extremely wet winter and spring for tree nurseries and existing green spaces • Trade fair GrootGroenPlus, an international platform for purchasing and relationships • Pot and container cultivation: indispensible in the nursery stock industry • Bee mortality rate remains high, but not due to neonics • Green: a promising colour Polish nursery stock industry at a glance • Colours in the tree nursery: why certain colours do not exist in plants

COLOPHON: This KwekersBode is a cooperation between Uitgever de Bode and GrootGroenPlus | Distribution: Municipalities of Halderberge, Etten-Leur, Rucphen, and Zundert | Print: 54,000 copies | Acquisition: John van Aert | Layout: Jan Bastiaenen | Text contributions GrootGroenPlus: team members of GGP.News

2 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

CHALLENGES OF AN EXTREMELY WET WINTER AND SPRING FOR TREE NURSERIES AND EXISTING GREEN SPACES This past winter and spring, more rainfall has been recorded than in previous years. This has posed significant

Saturated soil: an invisible enemy

and saturated soils are not just a temporary inconvenience; they have long-lasting effects on the health and growth of

from extreme rainfall is soil saturation.

challenges for many tree nurseries and existing green spaces, such as city parks and gardens. Overflowing waterways trees and plants.

One of the biggest problems resulting

When the soil is fully saturated with water, it can lead to several negative effects.

A healthy soil contains enough tiny air

pockets around the plant roots to prevent suffocation. Suffocation can lead to root rot, a condition that can spread quickly

and significantly impact the growth and health of trees.

Additionally, saturated soil can lead to

subsidence. When the soil absorbs too much water, it becomes heavy and

compact. This not only reduces the soil’s porosity but can also endanger the

stability of trees. Shallow-rooted trees

and plants, as well as young saplings, are at the greatest risk of falling over due to insufficient anchoring.

Root rot and delayed growth: major impact for tree nurseries

For tree nurseries, root rot is one of the most feared consequences of a wet

period. This fungal disease, known as

Phytophthora, thrives in wet conditions

and can quickly infect an entire nursery.

Affected trees show symptoms such as wilting, discoloration of leaves, and in severe cases, the death of a tree.

Moreover, soil saturation causes delayed growth. Trees and plants need a good balance of water and air in the soil to grow optimally. Excessive water

disrupts this balance, preventing roots from functioning properly, resulting in

slower growth and reduced vitality. This means growers have to wait longer for

marketable trees, which incurs additional

costs. The financial impact on businesses is substantial.

Effects on city parks and gardens Tree nurseries are not the only to suffer

from excessive rainfall. It impacts existing green spaces, such as city parks and

gardens, as well. In urban areas, where

the soil is often already compacted due

to construction and human activity, extra water can lead to serious problems. The soil is so compacted that water drains away with difficulty, quickly causing

water saturation. As a result, plants and grass fields stand with their roots in

water for too long, effectively drowning.

Bare spots and dying vegetation are

Ornamental shrub nursery H. den Dunnen

the visible consequences. Municipalities and park managers must take extra

measures to mitigate damage and carry

June 2024

3

out restoration work, such and replacing damaged

The challenges are

Resilient soil is essential

significant, but with

the right approach and

Given the expectation

dedication, tree nurseries

of more extreme weather

and green space managers

Laurens van Haperen

A resilient soil is characterised by a

and innovative technologies such as

Experiences from GrootGroenPlus participant Laurens van Haperen of the conifer and shrub nursery from Wagenberg.

obtain real-time information about soil

winters, the effects are clearly visible

retention and good drainage. It also

contribute to better handling of excess water and maintaining soil structure.

To prevent waterlogging, tree nurseries can invest in drainage systems

that quickly and efficiently remove

excess water. These can range from

can help build a sustainable

future where both trees and

people can thrive.

healthy structure with both good water

and below the surface. All these factors

nursery, where we grow challenging

weather conditions.

come cheaply.

contains sufficient biodiversity above

that our green spaces

will flourish, regardless of

plants. This does not

having a resilient soil is crucial.

have never dealt with so much water

plants remain healthy and

as improving drainage

conditions in the future,

ensure that our trees and

in soil improvement. Using advanced soil moisture sensors can help growers

moisture levels, preventing the soil from

drying out so much during droughts that water runs off rather than soaking in.

Laurens: “After two consecutive wet

on our fields. Chamaecyparis species,

in particular, have suffered.” We asked Laurens if he was able to remedy this.

water away from the root zone. Another

Targeted research: innovation in practice

Laurens: “Intervening during cultivation is

raised plant beds, which usually have

is a nursery that, after several wet

levelling the ground in summer (levelling

underground pipes to ditches that carry preventative measure is the creation of good aeration, ensuring the plant roots continue to access oxygen.

Organic layers and innovative soil solutions To address the effects of heavy rainfall

in the future, two key components need to be considered. The first is improving

the soil’s buffering capacity. This requires maintaining and increasing the organic

matter content in the soil. Adding organic materials like compost and mulch can

An example of a successful adaptation seasons, invested in an advanced

drainage system combined with sensor technology. By using soil moisture

sensors, they now have precise insights

into when the soil is becoming saturated.

This allows the grower to activate the

drainage system early to remove excess water. This approach has significantly

reduced root rot and improved growth results. An additional benefit is the

reduced incidence of diseases and pests.

retain water. Organic matter promotes

What should nurseries and green space managers do?

enhances aeration and drainage. These

has exposed the vulnerability of our soils

improve soil structure and its ability to healthy soil fauna, which in turn

layers are vital for the water system

and play a significant role in providing nutrients for the growth of trees and plants.

Additionally, professionals are looking ahead and adapting to changing

climatic conditions by investing heavily

The extremely wet winter of 2023/2024 and green spaces. For tree nurseries

and green space managers, it remains

crucial to take proactive steps to make their soils more resilient. Investing in good drainage, organic layers, and

innovative technologies will help mitigate the impact of future water challenges.

Only by taking measures now, can we

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: David Bömer, Chairman “ Water is crucial for the nursery stock industry in many ways. It is therefore good to see that several specialists with knowledge of both quality and quantity are

present at the trade floor. Their expertise is as welcome as a refreshing glass of water on a sunny day!” 

difficult, so we try to optimise conditions

as we did last season. On our field

deciduous ornamental shrubs with root

balls, it has been a significant challenge to get everything through this wet

season properly. Overall, this has gone

reasonably well because we take several measures prior to each cultivation.”

What measures have you taken?

Huib: “Our plot is drained and lies quite

high relative to the main brook in Zundert, where the water eventually flows to. For

each crop, we re-grade everything to a

slope and thoroughly loosen the subsoil.

The use of compost is also starting to

pay off. Additionally, growing on beds

is a great advantage during such a wet winter. Excessive rain can also flow off

the land via the paths. To prevent all the water from immediately flowing into the

ditch, we sow a wide grass lane that also serves as a path. We also do not bring

heavy machinery onto the land during

cultivation, keeping the beds nicely airy.”

before planting by growing cover crops,

All’s well that end’s well?

is fine-grinding ploughed ground and

we have also worried about whether

levelling the land to ensure good water drainage), digging drainage ditches, and adding extra organic material.

Maintaining the topsoil, where most

root formation occurs, is crucial. We

notice that water does not drain away

in some parts of the field, which affects

soil structure and negatively impacts soil life due to a lack of oxygen. This leads to poorly developed crops due to reduced rooting during the growing season.”

We asked if good drainage would be

the solution. Laurens: “We increasingly more often consider installing

controlled drainage to regulate water levels in winter and summer. The

use of measuring instruments offers

great advantages, because moisture

measurements allow for more targeted

actions. This reduces ‘cultivating by feel’ and can be well substantiated with a pF

curve. In conclusion, we believe the green industry must take proactive steps. Soil

resilience is essential, and everyone can contribute to better soil quality in their own way.”

We also posed these questions to Huib den Dunnen of the H. den Dunnen field

nursery of ornamental shrubs in Zundert.

Huib: “Let me start by saying that we

“In hindsight, it is easy to talk, and

everything would survive, but when we look at the crops that are to be

delivered this year, we see good crop development.” 

The KwekersBode also asked the Water work group of the Coöperatieve vereniging Treeport for a response:

“The topic of water has two aspects

for us: quality and quantity. We have been working on quality for years

with the Brabantse Delta Water Board (WSBD, waterschap Brabantse Delta).

The project ‘Schoon Water voor

Brabant’ (clean water for Brabant),

that we have created together, has allowed us to make great strides in

improving water quality. We also work closely with WSBD on the quantity

issue. They help us manage excess

water, but they also understand and recognise the water demand for

our crops. A common comment this

winter was, ‘It’s not unlikely that we will be begging for water in four weeks.’

This illustrates how difficult it will be

to adapt the entire water system for the future. Fortunately, Treeport has

many members willing to share their knowledge and invest their time.” 

Vertrouw Or igineel Trust op thehetOriginal

Florall, the Belgian trade fair for ornamental plants and nursery stock products

Graften andzaaitrays sowing trays HerkuPlast: : StekvanofHerkuPlast

Professional growers will present their assortment to an international audience.

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companies and suppliers will present their products at the FLORALL fall fair.

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Belgian trade fair for ornamental plants and tree nursery products

On Tuesday 20 August 2024, over 80 ornamental plant and tree nursery

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Besides the production companies, important trade and export companies and suppliers (potting soil, fertiliser, automation, climate control) also participate

in FLORALL. All companies and their products can be found in the free trade fair

catalogue, and in the plant register on the website. The FLORALL trade fair takes

place in the trade fair hall of Waregem Expo, with ample free parking near the trade fair buildings. The reachability and accessibility of FLORALL give you the opportunity to get an overview of the Flemish fall offer in just one day.

Florall Awards

Of course, during the trade fair also the FLORALL AWARDS are presented.

A professional jury will hand out a gold, silver or bronze FLORALL AWARD to

Tuesday 20.08.2024

Of via: Or via:

companies that present a novelty in the shape of a new variety, a new sales or new presentation concept.

Registration is obligatory

Tel. 0165 318165500 Phone: +31 (0) 318 500 info@krimpen.nl info@krimpen.nl www.krimpen.nl www.krimpen.nl

The trade fair offers free access to professionals in the ornamental plant industry, from wholesalers and garden centres to representatives of public green. To

guarantee a smooth entry, please register through the website www.florall.be. 

Bel g i ë 9.00 -18.00 | Waregem Expo | Belgium

Partner of trade fair GrootGroenPlus

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1

20/06/2024 13:44

June 2024

5 Text: Addo Sprangers

ADVERTORIAL

‘IN A FEW YEARS, CULTIVATION WITHOUT AUTOMATED PLANTING MACHINES WILL BE INCONCEIVABLE’ The automated planting machines of TolenaarsTransplanting Services (TTS)

from Rijsbergen are taking over the world. Which is no small feat, since the first machine created by the company established in Rijsbergen was only created five years ago. A conversation with its owner, Rob Tolenaars.

TTS makes smart and efficient

Especially when you use the right

Her machines are mainly used for

compressed pre-filled plug, developed

re-planting machines of its own design. planting seedlings and for agriculture

and forestry. The machines are also very important for flower producers, since it allows for grafts of flowers such as

dahlias to be planted out simply and efficiently.

Hands

According to Rob Tolenaars, his

automated planting machines are a

part of the future. “That mainly has to do with the fact that it is currently so hard

to find staff in many industries. There is a shortage of hands, so to speak, and that’s not just here, but also in other

countries. Automation is the answer.

With the so-called multi-rower (high

density planter) that we produce, up to

twelve rows of plants can be planted in

the field in one go. That’s approximately 36,000 plants per hour. A job that

normally requires a group of people, can be done by one or two people at most, using the machine.”

Uniformity

The TTS Transplanter automated

plug and the right tray. We insert the in cooperation with OptiPlug, which prevents air pockets being created in the TTS tray

which would allow for a plug to settle. Wilbert Stek also creates plugs for our

machines. To

guarantee plant quality and

uniformity. we prefer to work

with our own hard plastic trays, that

have been developed

instance the case in the

for this, even though

we’d like to assist with specific

United Kingdom. Forestry

requirements from the client. That way,

England, a governmental organisation

with an ingenious system, since a tray

purchased the entire process from us.

we already developed multiple trays

is more than just a piece of plastic with holes drilled into it. Creating trays is an expertise in itself. They are extensively

tested, among others at Boomkwekerij Verpaalen, Trayplant, and Tenax Tree Plugs & Seeds.”

responsible for nature conservation, has

Tolenaars. “Many are reluctant, but in the end, automation will prove to be

inevitable. We offer the machines and the service and consultancy.”

The huge plots in those countries are

The automated planting machines,

Here, tree nurseries often work with

frames of TTS are shown on the

not to be compared with the plots here. many different varieties or products.

That is why here, we also use trays with

feet that can be lifted by using a forklift.

This allows for easier automation, which

different hard trays and transport

Technical Day Tree Cultivation hosted

by Treeport, at Hergo Boomkwekerijen

on Thursday 27 June from 13:00 - 17:00.

Because automation is standardisation

planting machine is actually a very

Scaling up

with grafts or plants, all in a pre-filled

with her automated planting machines:

Big step

TTS B.V.

United States to the United Kingdom.

for tree cultivation, until recently, TTS

4891 SZ Rijsbergen

user-friendly concept. A hard plastic tray plug, will be placed in the machine,

after which grabbers get them from the tray and put them into the ground. Rob Tolenaars: “Since you are automating, you can also offer consistent quality.

As mentioned, TTS is globally active from Brazil to Canada and from the

“There, they work with fewer different

varieties and scale enlargement applied to the selected varieties. That is for

is handy for smaller volumes.”

In Zundert and it surroundings, known has not been supplying automated

planting machines. However, Lodders

Boomkwekerijen took the leap, says Rob

for optimisation.

Watermanseweg 1-A Phone: +31 (0) 624322585

e-mail info@tts-transplanter.com www.tts-transplanter.com

PERSONEEL WANTED:GEZOCHT! STAFF!

PERSONEEL GEZOCHT! DéThe makers van makers of Automatic planting machines automatische plantmachines

www.tts-transplanter.com

6 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

TRADE FAIR GROOTGROENPLUS, AN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM FOR PURCHASING AND RELATIONSHIPS When planning a visit to a trade fair, you naturally want to evaluate the offerings beforehand. Is this trade fair worth

my time and travel expenses? For professionals in the green industry, the answer is a resounding YES when it comes to trade fair GrootGroenPlus. This trade fair, which is traditionally held in the first week of October in Zundert, focuses on

green products. These products -whether plants, shrubs, or trees- are presented in every conceivable shape and form,

from young plants for further cultivation to standard trees and tall fruit trees. Garden centres and landscapers will find a

wide range of visually appealing products here, from both domestic and international growers. This includes perennials, aquatic plants, colourful shrubs, and trees attractive for their blooms, foliage colour, and/or shape. With changing

climatic conditions, Mediterranean planting is also gaining popularity. Moreover, GrootGroenPlus serves as a crucial platform for establishing new relationships and maintaining existing ones.

Expansion of international visits and participation

on the visually appealing segment and

passport indicates that the producer

GrootGroenPlus is to increase the number

Engaging in international business as a

grower or trader is no small feat. You will

standards set forth in the European Plant

One of the key objectives of

of international participants and visitors.

Besides the long-standing practice

of inviting and hosting international

journalists, another strategy is to attract foreign buyers, garden centres, and

trade organisations. This strategy is now facilitated by a contribution from the

European Plant Support Foundation (EPS).

Through this project, GrootGroenPlus can specifically focus on attracting potential participants and promoting the trade of

nursery stock products, with an emphasis

related technologies.

have to comply with several government regulations. One crucial requirement for trading and transporting plants

and plant materials within Europe is

the plant passport. A plant passport is

a collection of mandatory information that must accompany the trade of all

plants intended for planting within the

European Union (EU). It provides details about the identity and origin of the

shipment and allows the tracking of the

original producer. The presence of a plant

Photo contest ‘In the picture’

complies with the existing rules and

the inspection regime of an authorised inspection service. The plant passport

participating in trade fair GrootGroenPlus

measure. The European plant passport

market-oriented practices. Her

also serves as a kind of quality assurance system is essential for mitigating plant health risks within the European Union.

It ensures that the identity and origin

of plants and plant materials are well

documented. This is crucial for preventing the outbreak and potential spread of harmful diseases and pests and for enabling swift traceability.

Another key regulation for international

traders to comply with is the requirement for the PZ code, which ensures that

the plants being traded are free from harmful organisms. PZ stands for

to join this exciting initiative.

itself does not have any Protected

Participants and suppliers are encouraged to submit up to five high-quality and beautiful photos that - together - tell a compelling story. Along with the photos,

entrants should also write that story down. However, this story won’t be shared with the jury - at least, not immediately.

The jury, an international panel of five individuals, including members of the EPS and GGP boards, a professional photographer, and journalists, will review the photos

prior to trade fair GrootGroenPlus. They will offer their version of the story behind the photos. These interpretations will then be compared to the original story submitted by the participants. The best entries will be showcased at the trade fair, and one outstanding submission will be awarded a special prize.

To participate, please submit up to five photos along with the story they tell via email to info@grootgroenplus.nl. The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2024. 

(De Fruithof)

Health Regulation and operates under

With a theme like ‘In the picture’, a captivating photo contest is a must. This year, participants and suppliers of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair are invited

Wiggert Jan van Wijngaarden

‘Protected Zone’. While the Netherlands Zones, the destination countries for your

products might. For detailed information on Protected Zones and the harmful

organisms associated with them, growers and traders should refer to the website

of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA).

Trade fair as an inspiration for market-oriented practices Henriëtte van der Steen, account

manager at Bricks Presentation BV, views

primarily as an opportunity to inspire

perspective is particularly focused on

the suppliers catering to garden centres.

“We participate in GrootGroenPlus

because we see this trade fair as a

genuine opportunity for inspiration and relationship-building with our clients,”

she explains. “It’s an ideal platform for us to showcase the added value we

bring to our customers. Growers present a wide range of plant assortments

tailored for the retail market, alongside other products that are beneficial

for green retailers. Buyers attend the

trade fair looking for opportunities and solutions that they can implement in

their garden centres. They seek products that enhance their store’s offerings, and they have a need for presentation and communication.”

What would be a simple and effective way to present yourself, according

to Bricks? Henriëtte: “By using Bricks

as ‘pearls’ on the retail floor, you can

create attractive display islands that significantly boost sales. Consumers

often have numerous questions. They want to know what they can expect

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June 2024

7

by plants from its own nursery, Het Eyssel

For example, the fruit concept goes

Netherlands border, near the location of

also consists of beautiful presentation

BV, located in Meerle on the Belgium-

trade fair GrootGroenPlus. Het Eyssel BV offers an attractive assortment of over

1,500 different types of plants cultivated in P9 pots. The focus is on wholesale,

municipalities, large-scale green space providers, garden centres, landscaping, and export.

For Van Meel, it is a real relationship

trade fair. The real business transactions happen at a later stage, based on the connections made during the trade

fair. “We notice that our customers are increasingly more focused on aspects

like biodiversity and sustainability, which truly aligns with the demand from the

(consumer) market,” says Maurice. The company supplies many exporters, but Het Eyssel also deals with regulations,

such as complying with PZ codes. “You

Bricks: the ‘pearl’ in your store

really need to pay close attention to

from a product or where to find it. Many

along with the supply industry, must

but consumers still need information.

an increasingly significant theme and

garden centres face a shortage of staff, This is where Bricks steps in with

innovative 3D recognition signs and

other communication tools. Think of

life-sized strawberries, apples, pears, or a butterfly or ladybug, or shapes featuring

atmospheric photos and USP’s. This way,

prioritize sustainability. It’s becoming

we take some of the load off of garden

Henriëtte also highlights sustainability as

Het Eyssel BV calls GrootGroenPlus the

centres, while still encouraging sales.”

a crucial focus area. This encompasses not just the plants and irrigation practices but also the products

provided by the supply industry. Bricks,

for instance, supplies display units and Point of Sale (POS) materials. Henriëtte elaborates, “Our frames are made of galvanized steel, which makes them

rust-resistant and ensures they can last for decades. The printed POS panels

are either recyclable or already made

from recycled materials.” She continues to expand on the importance of

sustainability: “Both retailers and growers,

Maurice van Meel of Handelskwekerij

perfect place to meet a lot of customers and suppliers in just a few days time.

Handelskwekerij Het Eyssel BV offers a

wide assortment of perennials, grasses, ferns, herbs, and ground covers. The

trading nursery is predominantly supplied

over Europe. All plants are grown in pots

and the assortment is therefore available

throughout the year. The fruit trees are on

slow-growing rootstock. This makes them very suitable for the private garden and they produce really tasty fruit.

Sustainability plays an important role at De Fruithof. This is reflected in the

certificates and appreciation of MPS and GLOBAL GAP. An important part of this is the registration and appreciation of the

use of pesticides. In recent years this has

decreased significantly. The starting point is the vision ‘Organic where possible and chemical where necessary’. De Fruithof has also started working with peat substitutes.

“To provide our plants with water, we use

GrootGroenPlus is De Fruithof, from

Ideal to meet clients

and other points of sale of greenery all

problem.”

beyond mere cosmetic changes. It needs resistance, biodiversity, and circularity.”

Deliveries are made to garden centres

The sustainability policy also includes the

understand how it works, it’s not a

a commonly used term in the market.

to offer real advancements in areas like

tables, sleek banners and stylish labels.

these,” Maurice notes, “but once you

New opportunities for networking

This means that any innovation must go

beyond just supplying good plants. It

A relatively new participant of

Kapelle in Zeeland, a total supplier of a complete fruit concept for garden centres at home and abroad. De

Fruithof has a wide assortment of

about 170 different varieties, from small fruit to large fruit trees. Managing

Director Wiggert-Jan van Wijngaarden emphasises that both the wide

assortment and the operational

management respond to the demands from the market, from both the retail

trade and the end user, the consumer.

On behalf of GrootGroenPlus: Didier Hermans, member of the board

careful handling of water. Wiggert Jan: an ebb and flow system. Because the

collected rainwater is stored and reused in large basins, little water is lost.” De

Fruithof also has to deal with the demand for the so-called PZ code, which must

safeguard buyers from plants containing harmful organisms. Wiggert Jan: “Proper handling of these codes is also part of careful management. Sometimes you

have to conclude that unfortunately you

cannot deliver to some protected areas.”

Wiggert Jan van Wijngaarden sees

participation in GrootGroenPlus 2024 as a good test to see if good contacts can

be made with new companies and also to connect with existing national and international relations. “Our products

have been at GrootGroenPlus before,” says Wiggert Jan, “but until now only in combination with suppliers from

the technical sector who then used

“ At GrootGroenPlus you can find anything, all themes are covered. It is a really

our plants to indicate the possibilities

garden contractors. Together, we make this world a greener place.” 

independently with our fruit concept.” 

green trade fair, with many growers, but also interesting for garden centres and

of their product. But now we are there

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10 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

POT AND CONTAINER CULTIVATION: indispensible in the nursery stock industry In the past, nursery crops were always grown in open grounds. However, when pot and container cultivation began to

nature and the negative environmental

containers do not have a specific planting season and can be planted year-round, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

to a sustainable horticultural sector

take off in the Netherlands in the late 1970s, it opened up entirely new possibilities. For example, plants grown in pots or This new cultivation method also allowed people without gardens to place ornamental plants in attractive pots on their

balconies or terraces. While the traditional sales season for nursery stock products spanned four to five months, pot and container cultivation extended this period to at least eight to nine months. Garden centres and landscapers can now

offer plants at times when they naturally have ornamental value, creating new retail opportunities for visually appealing plants that are perfect for impulse purchases.

Special fertilisation for pot and container cultivation

supply of nutrients over several months,

In line with special fertilisation, there

containers is in some ways ‘easier’ than

fertilisers can be applied. These can be mixed into the substrate by the potting

container cultivation contributes to

Although growing plants in pots and

growing them in open ground, there are still important considerations. Plants in

small pots or large containers, as well as balcony and indoor plants, are typically

grown in substrates and therefore require special fertilisers. To ensure a consistent

slow-release and controlled-release

soil supplier or dosed by the grower.

Fertigation, which involves adding

fertilizers through the irrigation system,

can also be used as the main fertilisation method or to adjust nutrition during the cultivation period.

is also the question of how pot and

organic farming. The market, including

using peat. Nonetheless, there are not many alternatives currently available,

and those that do exist are not suitable for all types of cultivation. Growers are thus actively searching for suitable

alternatives. Sustainability is crucial for

pot and container cultivation as it drives the search for other growing media.

In this context, the LTO Workgroup for

stock products. In response, the pot and

LTO Greenhouse Horticulture, Plantum,

demand for organically grown nursery container sector is offering a growing and diverse range of organic shrubs,

perennials, forest and hedge plants, and standard trees.

In recent years, there

have been significant

changes in watering practices. While

growers once relied

Trees, Perennials, and Summer Flowers, and Royal Flora Holland organised an

online summit in January titled ‘Peat in

potting soil and the search for alternative substrates’. Coconut fibre, a by-product

of the coconut industry, is one option, but its sustainability is questionable given

the long shipping distances. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is currently inventorying which (waste) products

available locally could be suitable as substrates.

entirely on rainfall,

ILVO Vlaanderen has reported positive

watering methods

in peat alternatives like compost and

more controlled

have since been

developed to achieve

more consistent

harvests. Effective

watering is a crucial

aspect of pot and container

cultivation.

Pot and container cultivation now

encompasses a wide variety of pot

sizes and plant types. The appropriate

amount of water is determined by how much moisture the plant evaporates, the larger the leaf area, the greater

the evaporation. The climate and light

intensity at a location also play roles in

a plant’s evaporation rate. Furthermore,

results: the natural microorganisms

(natural) management residues can stimulate plant growth and suppress plant diseases more effectively than

peat. This was shown by the doctoral research of Steffi Pot at KU Leuven

Campus Geel in collaboration with ILVO and PCS. Additionally, various methods (e.g., fertilisation and the addition of

artificial root exudates) can significantly influence these microorganisms to further enhance plant growth and

health. Compost and management

residues (biomass resulting from the management of natural areas, such as heathlands and forests) are also promising alternatives to peat.

soil or substrate used is a factor. In pot

Pot and container cultivation: essential for the future

technology is often employed by growers

cultivation will continue to play a

the buffering capacity of the potting and container cultivation, precision

to determine the optimal water flow for the soil and plants to achieve optimal growth and uniformity.

Sustainability in pot and container cultivation The use of peat as material for the

substrate in pot and container cultivation is common. However, this practice is

increasingly criticised, especially inter-

De Buurte Kwekerijen

requires growers to move away from

public green spaces, shows an increased

Proper watering techniques

Vivai Guagno

impact of its extraction. Transitioning

Looking at trends, pot and container significant role in the future. This form of cultivation will evolve in response

to market demand and the need for sustainability in the industry. All the

ingredients for a successful future are

present. It is up to the industry to handle

these ingredients smartly, effectively, and efficiently. Based on past performance, we can trust that they will succeed!

nationally. There is growing societal

What do our participants think?

soils and substrates due to its finite

Oene, heads a nursery specialising in

pressure to replace peat in potting

Gerrit Tessemaker of De Buurte Nurseries,

June 2024

11

open-field

protection products is limited, as most

simply

and we prefer to grow organically.”

plants are ‘heavier/ more

Heyeveld Nursery, based in As, Belgium,

“A trend

Peters and his wife Jeanne Deville started

robust.’

we do see

continuing,”

adds Gerrit, “is

that customers

Vivai Guagno

are requesting

smaller batches

more frequently to keep

fresher stock at garden

centres.”

The Italian nursery Vivai Guagno

grows plants in pots and containers as well as in open soil. Root balls

have been a significant part of the

business, but container growing has

expanded significantly. Gloria Guagno

management for small quantities and uncertain loading dates.”

The company’s headquarters are in

Santa Giustina in Colle (Padova), where forest plants have been produced in containers for 40 years. Here, seeds

are started and then grown in smaller

containers (up to CLT10). To complement their forestry tradition, Vivai Guagno

a wide range of plants to professional

good start. We use stable manure and

parties like garden centres, landscapers, and wholesalers both domestically

and internationally. The nursery spans 245 hectares across four locations:

Oene, Heerde, Uddel, and Twello. Thirty dedicated employees work full-time,

with additional flex workers during peak

periods. “We try to grow our products as

profitably as possible,” says Gerrit. “We’ve made several smart economic choices.

Most of our machinery and rolling stock are owned. We also adapt based on

market conditions. By mechanising and

minimising manual labour—since labour is costly and hard to find—we strive

to keep costs low.” Consequently, the company has not yet adopted a drip

irrigation system. Gerrit explains: “We’re in a wildlife-rich area, which is nice, but if you discover that rabbits have bitten

through your drip lines, your plants will be dried out.” For now, irrigation is still done using reels when necessary.

“Growing a good plant starts with a

green manure. Weeding is done with a hoe or a weeding harrow. Where

necessary, we use low-volume spraying to minimise the use of chemicals. We’re also affiliated with MPS. As for organic

farming; transitioning requires a market

demand, and we haven’t seen enough of

offers a refreshed assortment of young

non-family member in management.

Heyeveld Nursery now grows hardy

garden plants in various pot sizes and in open soil on about 100 hectares.

Their range includes hedge and grafted conifers, various shrubs, and grasses.

Their clients include wholesalers,

exporters, garden and plant centres, and other tree nurseries.

are important to the company. That

footprint assessment, a measure of total emissions. Emissions include various

greenhouse gases such as methane,

F-gases, and CO2. As agreed upon in the Paris Climate Agreement, the European Union aims to be climate neutral by

2050, meaning no net greenhouse gas

emissions. “Based on our carbon footprint results, we have started reducing our

diesel consumption and using biodiesel

as much as possible,” says Jan Nijs. “We also changed our office heating system to reduce gas usage.”

cultivation, and for pot and container

species and grafted plants. In their

second nursery in Comacchio (Ferrara), the production of CLT15 to CLT1500 now

covers 30 hectares. Here, multi-stemmed trees, trees, and shrubs are grown to complete their assortment.

says Gloria. “Systems have been chosen

of pot-grown plants and the fact that

and Jan Nijs, the latter being the first

has expanded to include ornamental

to adapt.” Gerrit doesn’t see a complete primarily because of the higher cost

the company is led by Leon Peters

Irrigation is a focus at Heyeveld Nursery.

urban reforestation. Over time, the range

“Watering is usually done via drip

shift to pot cultivation for their crops,

garden plants and landscaping. Today,

trees intended for further propagation or

that demand from our customers yet. But if that becomes the demand, we’ll have

transitioned the business to growing

is why they have conducted a carbon

benefits, as containers simplify order

Regarding sustainability, Gerrit says:

About three decades later, their sons

mitigates the effects of shorter winters leisure time. It also offers logistical

plants. The company grows and sells

growing and trading vegetable plants.

Sustainability and environmental care

and allows customers to optimise their

evergreen garden plants and hedge

was founded in the 1930s when Mathijs

sees year-round planting as a major

advantage of container cultivation. “It

Vivai Guagno

cultivated species are resistant to pests,

irrigation and sprinklers for smaller pots,” to minimise water loss, and further

investments in modernising less efficient plants are planned. The use of crop

On behalf of Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus: Corianne Oudijk, treasurer “ At GGP, there are many growers who use pot and container cultivation, both from the Netherlands and abroad. They make up a large part of the trade fair. They show a high-quality and complete range.” 

Drip irrigation is used for open-soil

cultivation, both drip and overhead irrigation are used, with all unused

water being neatly returned to large

water containers to avoid waste. Jan

Nijs: “We are not currently considering transitioning to organic farming, but

we are gradually moving towards more sustainability. This includes reducing the use of crop protection products

and further advancing automation and mechanisation.” The company recently introduced an additional overhead

tractor and a pruning machine for shrubs and bulbs. “Technology continues to

advance,” says Jan, “I mainly see ongoing improvements to existing technology

rather than major changes. Regarding cultivation, this year has shown again

that open-soil cultivation is not straightforward due to climate changes and extreme weather conditions. Growing in pots is easier and has the added

advantage of year-round availability.” 

12 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

BEE MORTALITY RATE REMAINS HIGH, BUT NOT DUE TO NEONICS This past winter, the mortality rate among honeybees was again sig-

nificant. During the initial inspections of beehives, beekeepers found

that many colonies had died or were

severely weakened. There are various causes for this, and further research is certainly needed. However, it

is already clear that the high bee

mortality rate this time is not caused by neonics. But neonics are not the

only enemies bees face. Several other

factors can weaken a bee colony. Let’s explore some of these causes.

But first... let’s talk about the honeybee

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) forms large colonies led by a single queen,

supported by worker bees (female) and

Osmanthus aquifolium

drones (male). Honeybees are kept in

There are approximately 360 species of

Varroa destructor, causes the Varroa

the mites along with the infested brood.

over 50.000 during the summer. They

which mainly live solitary lives. They

exotic parasite poses a significant threat

CAUSE 2: limited food supply

mite originated in Asia and was first

nectar and pollen. Various databases

hives and can grow to a population of are crucial pollinators of flowering plants

and indispensable for the ecosystem and agriculture.

wild bees in the Netherlands and Belgium, too are important for the pollination of flowering plants.

However, this pollination is at risk due to the severe bee mortality we are

mite disease (varroatosis) in bees. This to the European honeybee. The Varroa discovered in the Netherlands in 1983.

experiencing, caused by various factors.

Varroa mites weaken bees and can

hive inspections. The beekeeper’s job is to

CAUSE 1: the impact of the harmful Varroa mite

winter mortality. Beekeepers combat this

In a good honey flow year, the beekeeper

challenges for modern beekeeping. The

In our region, beekeepers primarily

keep two breeds: Carnica bees and

Buckfast bees. Both are gentle during

care for the bees and prevent swarming. is rewarded with delicious honey.

The Varroa mite is one of the most severe ectoparasite, scientifically known as

transmit viral diseases, leading to high harmful mite using oxalic acid, formic acid, or variants of those products.

Additionally, there are on-going trials

with brood restriction methods to remove

Bees need good host plants for both indicate the value per plant species.

Not every flowering plant is valuable

to bees. While there is plenty in bloom

during spring and summer, early spring and autumn offer very few good forage plants. Native species alone are not

sufficient. In gardens, we can use the best bee-friendly plants available from our growers’ wide assortment.

Bees perceive the colour purple better

than other colours. So it makes sense that the best bee plants often have purple

flowers, such as lavender (Lavandula), ornamental onions (Allium), butterfly bush (Buddleja), and catnip (Nepeta faassenii).

CAUSE 3: weather conditions

Weather also greatly influences bee flight behaviour. A wet, cold spring

and/or a wet summer have significant consequences. Bees can barely fly

in bad weather, and many trees and

shrubs bloom irregularly or too briefly.

This severely limits forage availability

and directly impacts the bee population.

Additionally, it can lead to bees entering

winter significantly weaker, reducing their chances of survival.

CAUSE 4: pollution

In our modern society, we frequently deal with pollution. We use many chemicals that affect our health, as well as the

health of our flora and fauna. Some of these substances remain unnoticed

by the general media, such as dioxins,

Honeybee on Prunus

PCBs, PFOS, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and

mercury. However, these substances can

be found in high concentrations in certain

June 2024

13

areas and are known to be harmful.

The media and various environmental organisations often portray crop

protection as the main culprit. While it

is clear that crop protection should be

used judiciously and its impact should not be downplayed, our growers do

possess sufficient expertise. They all must

undergo annual training to maintain their spraying or phytosanitary licenses.

A few years ago, one of the potential

causes of bee mortality was attributed to

so-called neonics (neonicotinoids). Since 2013, restrictions have been in place in

Stokesia (ASRA Plant BV)

Europe, and since 2018, there has been

a total ban on their use. It’s now been six alarmingly high, indicating that the

Bee mortality remains alarmingly high

as significant as once thought.

remains a serious concern. Although

years, and winter bee mortality remains

influence of neonics might not have been

CAUSE 5: invasive Asian hornet

This relatively new invasive species is a voracious predator that can devastate

entire bee colonies. In recent years, the

Asian hornet has been spreading rapidly and must be controlled. This predator

could become the biggest threat to our

honeybees in the future. The Asian hornet is now included on the EU list of invasive alien species, meaning that within the

European Union, measures are agreed upon to prevent the spread of such species as much as possible.

continues: “Judicious

The increasing bee mortality rate

use of crop protection does not lead to

Honeybees are commonly found

winter mortality of honeybees occurs

growers play a crucial role in providing

for their role as pollinators of many

annually, it can be problematic in some years due to various causes, often

involving a combination of factors. Proper care and disease management are

crucial to mitigate the effects as much as possible. Ensuring sufficient forage

plants throughout the entire flight period is also essential. It’s recommended to use as many plants as possible that

attract bees and provide ample pollen and nectar. For good advice and a

wide selection of suitable plants, you can, of course, turn to the growers at the GrootGroenPlus trade fair. And if

you encounter the Asian hornet, please alarm beekeepers, waarneming.nl or vespawatch.be.

We asked several GrootGroenPlus participants for their insights: Didier Hermans of Herplant BV and

BetterBuxus®, both participants at trade fair GrootGroenPlus, has been keeping

bees at his tree nursery for years, which do produce great honey. Didier says:

“Boxwood (Buxus) is an excellent bee

plant, as is Prunus. Contrary to claims made in the media, that boxwood

doesn’t contribute to biodiversity and is just an ordinary garden plant, boxwood is actually a great bee plant! Naturally

Osmanthus aquifolium

insects.” He

Long story short: the honeybee

grown and minimally pruned boxwood blooms annually and is visited by both honeybees and various wild bees and

On behalf of Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus: Frans van Wanrooij, secretary “ As Laura concludes to powerfully: ‘Bee Beefriendly’. GrootGroenPlus participants

have a lot of knowledge in this area, including unexpected solutions. Our growers are very willing to share this information with you.” 

increased bee mortality. Ornamental forage plants for bees due to their knowledge of plant varieties.”

Laura Bruni from Tuscany Growers,

a participant at the GrootGroenPlus

trade fair, shared her views. Tuscany

Growers cultivates ornamental outdoor

in large numbers and are valued

plant species, including fruit trees.

Additionally, the honeybee is a key

provider of various natural products such as honey, beeswax, royal jelly, and propolis.

plants. The nurseries are located in

Solitary or wild bees, along with

Tuscany in Italy. VIVAI PIANTE BIAGINI

the superfamily Apoidea s.l. In the

Pistoia, within the beautiful region of

and VIVAI PIANTE MASETTI SABINO have

contributed to Pistoia’s reputation as the capital of European greenery. Laura tells KwekersBode: “Bees are essential for life: without bees, plants cannot survive and reproduce. We must do everything we

can to protect our world and the bees, so BE BEEFRIENDLY!!!” She adds: “Good bee

plants include Lagerstroemia indica and Osmanthus aquifolium.”

Ad van Heesbeen from ASRA Plant B.V.,

known for its brand Sense of Nature and

a participant at the trade fair, discussed bee mortality. “As tree growers, we are

at the forefront of solving the bees’ food

problem. Tree nurseries grow plants that can be a great source of food for bees, for use by consumers, in commercial

landscaping, and in government and

bumblebees and honeybees, form Netherlands, about 350 species exist, including the following genera: silk

bees, sweat bees, sand bees, mason bees, and leafcutter bees. While

honeybees and a few bumblebee

species have a social lifestyle, solitary bees do everything alone: making

a nest, foraging for food, and laying

eggs. Sometimes, nests that are close together can form a colony, but this is not always the case. It is also possible for bees to use the same entrance for their nests (communal nesting), but

this depends on the species. Solitary bees typically only live a few weeks,

with their offspring overwintering as

larvae, pupae, or adult insects (imago) after metamorphosis.

municipal plantings,” says Ad. He

Honey is a natural, sweet, liquid

feeding the bees, even if you only have

and/or honey ants collect nectar from

continues: “Everyone can contribute to

a balcony! Public green spaces can also be improved significantly. Consider the grassy verges and off-ramps of major roads; these areas could be filled with

woodland and hedge plants, perennials,

etc. There is plenty of choice.” ASRA Plant grows plants that are highly favoured

by bees and bumblebees, such as the

Stokesia with its blue-purple flower. These are available at garden centres across

Europe and, by planting them in private gardens, they help provide food for the bees. 

substance created when honeybees flowers and convert it. The nectar is

transformed into honey through the addition of enzymes and thickening

by evaporation. Local honey is often recommended because it contains

pollen from nearby plants. This local exposure could help the body get

used to the pollen you are allergic to. Preferably choose local honey

from Dutch sources if you live in the Netherlands and suffer from pollen allergies. 

14 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

GREEN: A PROMISING COLOUR Polish nursery stock industry at a glance The present situation of the Polish ornamental nursery stock industry can be briefly described as “promising but not

ornamental nursery stock export (in case

lockdowns has weakened, but it also created new customers. Nevertheless, it’s time for more balanced operations and

bulk of their income).

quite predictable”. As in other countries, the extraordinary boom in the green industry triggered by the pandemic and for overcoming challenges connected with the economy and the war in the neighbourhood.

A bit of recent history - with impact on the present situation

of the industry thanks to the EU funds,

International Statistics Flowers and

economy in Poland in 1989, nursery

wealth of domestic customers.

With the “wind of changes” the Polish

area of Polish nursery stock production

After the introduction of the market stock production has become one of the fastest growing industries in

Polish agriculture. The industry was

characterised by a considerable number of smaller scale family businesses.

Most of the then existing nurseries were established in the 1970s or 1980s, i.e.

during the communist era in Poland

(1945-1989). But a few companies had longer traditions, dating back to the period before World War II.

Another boost came with Poland’s

accession to the European Union in 2004, which provided an additional expansion

easier trading within it and the increasing

Nurserymen Association (Związek

Szkółkarzy Polskich - ZSzP) was founded by a group of growers in 1991, which

has had the significant influence on the development and the state of the industry. The ZSzP founded an

international exhibition, became the

Plants (2023) published by the AIPH, the reached 7174 hectares in 2022, with a

production value of €324 million. These

figures, however, are based on estimates, research and analysis (by Dawid

Olewnicki of Warsaw University of Life

Sciences - SGGW), not on hard statistics, which are unavailable.

member of the European Nurserystock

Andrzej Kujawa, the present chairman

has been representing Poland in the

production remains a strong pillar of

Association (ENA), and since 2018

International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

Current status

According to the latest edition of

of the ZSzP admits that nursery stock

of some nurseries, it even constituted the

For many years, Russia had been an important customer for some Polish

growers of ornamental stock due to the climate, production profile and quality

as well as proximity of the market, not to mention easy communication between the Slavic parties involved in the trade relations. The majority of Poland lies in

climatic zone 6 (some minor parts - in

colder zone 5b and warmer zone 7). Most of the nursery stock produced here is,

therefore, hardy enough for Eastern and

Northern Europe, where Polish plants are also exported to.

Polish horticulture. At the same time,

The chairman of the ZSzP adds that,

point. One of the reasons is the loss of

who have been diversifying or even

he says that the industry is at a turning the Russian market, which - according to estimates - generated about 20% of the

observing the activity of his colleagues completely changing their export

destinations, he is rather optimistic. “Their

June 2024

15

lot of manual work, that difficulty was

exacerbated by the exit of military-age

Ukrainian men after February 2022, who before that would often work at Polish horticultural farms.

As a consequence, the development of

the scale of production in Poland, noted in the last couple of years, has stopped.

Some other challenges the nurserymen mention are:

- the unpredictable climate conditions, with dangerous extremes;

- new pests and diseases “imported”

with the stock from abroad or moving

Berberis thunbergii ‘Orange Ice’ (PBR) (Kwekerij Kurowscy)

northwards as the result of global warming;

strategies may differ but it’s the effect

stresses that “times are changing”, and

S. Franczak) and will come up with more

declares that the proper profiling of one’s

nursery stock from his assortment, also

own 72 cultivars.

that counts,” emphasizes Kujawa, and he customer is the key to success.

It is worth noting that the Eastern export direction was indeed a characteristic feature of the Polish nursery sector,

but Poland developed foreign sales

to many other destinations, including

non-European ones. Around 2010, Polish nursery stock was shipped to about 40

countries, with Germany being one of the main customers. Until now, this number

he reports a growing demand for other in containers (minimum 3-litre pots),

and nowadays prevails, conifers are still

popular in the country. Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ holds the leading position on the long list of taxa - as an easy,

evergreen conifer, suitable for hedges.

However, the scale of its production has

been declining, primarily due to the loss of the Russian market.

Thuja ‘Smaragd’ has been the flagship

product of Poland’s largest ornamental nursery Sutkowscy that owns 300

hectares of land, of which over 160 ha

is used for cultivation. Large specimens

of Thuja and other conifers grown in the

open field feature the typical commodity of this company, which offers deciduous

shrubs and trees too. The nursery exports approximately 80% of its stock - all

over Europe. Till the ban on exports to

Russia, 80% of the total turnover (both

from foreign and domestic sales) was generated by ‘Smaragd’. At present

Michał Sutkowski, the company’s owner,

use of peat in production or on export

generated by the pandemic affected

This season

production - in terms of surface,

nurserymen who sell to garden centre

since 2020, one has to be as flexible as possible,” says Sutkowski and explains

that one of his targets now is the steady development of the standard tree production.

not the hallmark of the Polish nursery

perennials has been regularly growing

- restrictions, such as the ban on the

times we have been experiencing

Euonymus etc. “In such unpredictable

Times are changing

of deciduous shrubs and trees as well as

available on the EU market;

such as Carpinus, Fagus, Hydrangea,

Let’s emphasize that ordinary Thujas

a conifer producer. Although the share

plant protection chemicals that are

Challenges

has only increased.

Poland remains an important player as

novelties to be added to the list of his

- decreasing number of efficient

sold in considerable quantities are industry. In case of conifers, more

competitive advantage is provided by grafted stock, such as that shown at

GrootGroenPlus 2023. There, nursery A&M Kałuzińscy Polskie Korzenie presented grafted conifers (and magnolias) in

containers, while the Multiflora company - grafted liners for further production,

with pines being its specialty. There are more companies to offer grafts of wide

The boom in the green industry

in the development of nursery stock

number of commodities and revenue.

Growers were able to raise prices of their products. The outbreak of the full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022 was another

game-changer for the industry. The costs of production rose significantly, as did inflation. The average annual inflation rate in Poland in 2023 was 11.4%.

Thus, the economic situation of the

average customer in Poland worsened and his or her purchasing power

decreased. In view of that, growers are

currently reluctant to increase prices of nursery stock on the domestic market,

though the economic calculation would suggest doing so.

markets.

Regarding the present year, Polish

owners consider the beginning of the

season good or very good, enhanced

by warm weather in February and the

overall tendency to get orders earlier. In

terms of investors’ demand, the observed slowdown in the real estate market and limited new individual investments in

Poland do not seem to have halted the strong interest in plants here.

“The COVID years have helped get a

fair-sized new group of customers in

the habit of taking care of the garden

or particular about the greenery around

them,” explains Jakub Kurowski, co-owner of the 3-generation Kurowscy nursery. He hopes that the continuation of the 2024

season will be as good as its start in the

assortment of species and varieties.

Above all, labour costs and labour

the rise. The unprecedented popularity

burden for nurserymen. The populist

Michał Sutkowski agrees, and argues

Poland between 2015 and 2023 regularly

industry is doing well in comparison to

Production of perennials has been on

of ornamental grasses in Poland makes them increasingly common not only in

gardens, but also in urban green spaces.

The offer has been enriched with the

cultivars of Polish breeds, eg. awarded

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Boucle’ or Festuca

shortage have become the greatest government that was in power in

increased the statutory minimum

salary. In industries such as nursery stock production, which requires a

‘Miedzianobrody’ (Sunrise). Many more will be introduced in the future.

However, the most successful and internationally recognised Polish breeding program is related to the Clematis. At

present, Szczepan Marczyński continues great long traditions of Polish breeding

of this genus (eg. Clematis Blue Angel = ‘Błękitny Anioł’ or ‘Warszawska Nike’ by

On behalf of trade fair GrootGroenPlus: Chantal van Kuyck, trade fair manager “ The nursery stock industry in Poland is presented with multiple opportunities

and threats, as is the case in the Netherlands. After the pandemic, we see an

increase in the number of Polish participants and visitors. At the trade fair, existing relationships are strengthened, and new contacts are created.” 

Thuja (Tree nursery Sutkowscy)

early Spring.

that the Polish ornamental nursery stock many other industries. He predicts that

there is no reason for the current season to be worse than the previous one. 

Job Opening We zijn are looking Wij op zoek for: naar:

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W Fulltimeallround all-round tree nursery Fullti employee (m/f) Fulltime medewerk(st)er boomkwekerij

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We grow woodland hedge plants Wij kweken bos en and Haagplantsoen in open soil,grond, from sowing/cutting in de volle van zaaien/stekken to 1-1 and plants. planten. tot en 22-year jarigeold verplanten

Wij kw in de tot 1 e

We also offer ornamental shrubs Daarnaast hebben we ook nog and roses in pots for the sierheesters en rozen invisual pot voor onder and construction andere de visuelemarket. en aanleg markt.

Daarn W sierhe in ander Wij

Project leader Process optimisation As Project leader Process optimisation at Rijk Zwaan, you are able to improve the processes in Fijnaart with your great ideas.

You will lead the improvement projects, and together, we work on the vegetables of tomorrow!

Contribute to the vegetables of tomorrow! Send us your application via: www.rijkzwaancareers.com/vacature

We offer you: Wij bieden je: •W Salaryen and employment conditions in accordance open cultivation •• Loon arbeidsvoorwaarden conform CAO openwith teelten D • collective agreement • Afwisselend werk si Varied work •F •• Mogelijkheid tot opleidingen • Training opportunities •a • Fijne werksfeer • Great atmosphere at work W Dus v So if vindt/lijkt you love tojewatch a plant Dus het leuk om go een in W plant from ateseedling or cutting to a vanaf plant zien groeien en bloeien to zaadje flowering plant, and are you interested, zaadje of stekje en heb je interesse, of voo please of voorcontact: meer info: D si Corné Corné Leenaerts Corné Leenaerts an 06-13 +31 (0) 61384 7291 06-13847291 info@ info@leenaerts-halters.nl info@leenaerts-halters.nl W

De Noordhoek vaste planten BV produces well over 2,500 types of perennials for multiple buyers in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The nursery is established in Schijf.

JOB OPENING WAREHOUSE STAFF M/F (38 HOURS) You are responsible for: • Preparing orders; • Checking the quality; • Loading/unloading orders from customers and suppliers.

Outside of our delivery season, these activities can be alternated with producing plants and other cultivation activities.

Does this job opening appeal to you?

Please contact us by sending an e-mail to kantoor@noordhoekschijf.nl. We are looking forward to your letter, motivation and up-to-date resume.

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Your profile: • Works neat and accurately; • Loves to be proactive; • Has fluent Dutch oral and writing skills; • A team player who is also autonomous; • Has a forklift license or is willing to get it (paid for by us); • Is willing to work extra in March, April, and May; You will be working in a nice, informal working environment, in a close-knit team. Knowledge of plants is not required, because we will give you ample opportunities to get to know a lot of plants!

If you have any questions about this job opening, please e-mail us at kantoor@noordhoekschijf.nl or call us at +31 (0)165-551666.

D p za D o p

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Boot & Dart supplies plants to landscapers, municipalities, and governments, to make the world a greener place.

Your partner in secondment The right people at the right time, without unnecessary costs, administration, and risks?

We are looking for a: EMPLOYEE CONTAINER

TREE NURSERY EMPLOYEE

• Sustainable cultivation of plants in pot/container • Order picking with a forklift • Motivated team of 3-4 colleagues

• Top quality of growing trees and plants • Grubbing up and delivery of trees and plants • Enthusiastic team

Are you interested?

Scan the QR code or go to https://bootendart.nl/vacature for

ned-personeel.nl

the full description and more job openings.

Contact us via:

pz@bootendart.nl

+31 (0)653 85 05 77

JOB OPENING Warehouse employee Zundert 40 hours - fulltime

Laxsjon Plants is an international wholesaler that specialises in plants and tree nursery products. To expand our dynamic team and our activities, we are looking for a new and enthusiastic colleague. In this young, dynamic, fast-growing company, you will make sure that our clients are served optimal, with high-level quality and service.

You will also maintain good relationships with our suppliers.

AS WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE AT LAXSJON PLANTS: • you will rate the quality of plant and tree nursery products • you will process the daily stream of goods in an efficient, thorough way • you will handle all checks of the orders • you will make sure that orders are completed in time, and loaded swiftly • you will process stock and prepare those for our clients • you know how to operate a forklift and have a forklift certificate or are willing to get one • it would be nice if you know a bit about plants and tree nurseries • you work in a small, nice team from our location in Zundert Do you want to be a part of our company and based on the prerequisites mentioned above, feel that you are a great candidate? We’d love to meet you!

Send your motivation and resume to loek@laxsjonplants.com.

For questions, please contact Loek Jochems +31 (0) 6 22 82 41 22.

We’d love to welcome you as our colleague!

Van Oers is expanding.

Do you want to work in the tree nursery?

At Van Oers, your work is directly impacting entrepreneurs, the local economy, and by that, society. That connection is what we are looking for in our work, and in the social projects and initiatives we contribute to.

That is why we look beyond numbers and focus on creating sustainable relationships. Because people determine the success.

That is why you are always focused on what is going on with customers, but also with colleagues. And those colleagues are also looking out for you. Do you want to know more about the possibilities?

Check out the vacancies at the website.

Are we a match? Let us know! Please contact our recruiter Wendy Snel-Lutt. + 31 20 (0)71 6 07 20 71 24 / werken@vanoers.nl 06 2407 / werken@vanoers.nl

WERKENBIJVANOERS.NL

OERS24005 Adv Kwekersbode 130x195mm.indd 3

22-01-2024 10:16

18 Text: Nursery Stock Trade Fair GrootGroenPlus

COLOURS IN THE TREE NURSERY: why certain colours do not exist in plants Anyone who takes a look at an average tree nursery can’t miss the overwhelming presence of green. Green is the signature colour of the nursery stock industry. It’s no coincidence that the largest industry-specific trade fair is called GrootGROENPlus (‘Groen’ being Dutch for GREEN). But why is that? Why is green the predominant colour found in nature? Why can’t we brighten up our gardens with a beautiful blue Ginkgo? And what possibilities do we have for creating beautiful, colourful plants? We delved into these questions.

How do plants get their colour?

You might have even come across

have adopted a

substance chlorophyll can be found.

actually coloured by silver pigment; their

efficient way to

In the chloroplasts of plants, the

This pigment is primarily responsible for absorbing light energy and converting

it into nutrients through photosynthesis, which is the process by which sunlight stimulates plant growth. Chlorophyll

absorbs blue and red light from the sun

but hardly any green light. This ‘leftover’

silver-coloured plants. These are not

silvery sheen is caused by fine hairs that reflect light. This is often seen in shade plants that don’t receive direct light. If

they do unexpectedly get direct light, the silver hairs help reflect it to other plants, preventing the leaves from burning.

green light is what gives plants their

Adjusting to the surroundings

Of course, chlorophyll is not the only

seem crucial for plants, absorbing light

predominantly green appearance. pigment in plants. We also know of xanthophylls and flavonoids.

Xanthophylls are yellow pigments found in plants that help absorb light energy.

They also play a role in protecting

plant cells from harmful UV radiation.

Flavonoids are a group of pigments

responsible for the colours of flowers

and fruits. They help attract pollinators

and protect plant cells from UV damage, which can result in a variety of colours.

While having a specific colour may not

certainly is. And this is closely related to a plant’s colour. But let’s take a step back:

factors that influence light absorption in

plants include light intensity and quality, the presence of other pigments, and the plant’s overall health.

Plants have developed various colours to adapt to their environment and to

communicate with other organisms. For instance, flowers have evolved bright

colours to attract pollinators, while leaves

green hue as an absorb sunlight

for photosynthesis.

Environmental

factors such as light intensity, temperature,

humidity, and soil

Sander van Vliet

composition can all

affect a plant’s colour. Plants

exposed to high light intensity

may develop a darker green colour to

protect themselves from excessive light

The other colours from the colour circle

cold temperatures might turn purple

Soft pastel colours provide a serene look,

energy. Conversely, plants exposed to as a stress response. Additionally,

other environmental factors like soil

composition and nutrient levels can also

while bright colours make your garden lively and dynamic.

influence the colour of plants.

Autumn colours

A garden with a personality, thanks to the Colour Circle

colour variations in the garden, especially

But how do you creatively work with

different colours in a garden? How do you

bring it to life and add personality without overlooking the practical functions of

various colours? The Flower Garden of

Appeltern (Bloementuin van Appeltern) provides an excellent example with its

Colour Circle. This circle comprises twelve colours: six warm colours and six cool

colours. Warm colours range from red and gold to orange and evoke warm

elements like the sun or fire. Cool colours, such as blue, green, and magenta, are

the shades of winter and night, reminding us of cool things like water or grass.

The principle of the colour circle is based on the three primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. When these colours are

mixed, they form the secondary colours: orange, purple, and green. Beyond the primary and secondary colours in the circle, there are also tertiary colours.

These arise from mixing a primary colour with a secondary colour. Examples

include yellow-orange, red-violet, and yellow-green.

Within the plant world, there is a unique

colour system. All effects depend on the surrounding colours and light. Flowers

with warm colours give a different effect than those with cool colours. In the

Hydrangea serr. Daredevil (Van Vliet New Plants)

add individual character to the garden.

garden, green foliage helps to connect all the plants, creating a cohesive environment.

Each season can introduce different

during autumn. In autumn, the leaves of trees and shrubs change colour,

often resulting in a spectacular burst of hues. As mentioned earlier, chlorophyll, one of the primary substances, is

crucial in summer for photosynthesis, producing sugars and starch using

sunlight and carbon dioxide. During

high temperatures, this green pigment is continually produced. However, as temperatures drop in autumn, the

production of chlorophyll ceases. The

green pigment in the leaves diminishes, allowing other pigments, previously

hidden, to become more prominent.

Before the leaves eventually fall off

the trees, the remaining chlorophyll is

withdrawn from the leaves and stored in the branches. This makes the remaining pigments visible, creating a beautiful autumn palette. Carotene gives the

leaves their orange colour, xanthophyll

imparts yellow, anthocyanin provides red, and tannins give a brown tint.

No black flowers

Yet, we don’t see all colours in the garden.

If you look closely, you’ll see that black is always missing. Despite the efforts of breeders, there’s no actual black

pigment to work with. While there are

some flowers referred to as ‘black’, they aren’t genuinely black. They lack true

black pigment and are usually very dark shades of purple, brown, or even red.

And perhaps, up to now, there hasn’t

June 2024

19

been a real need for it. The colours that naturally occur often create their own ‘special effect’. For instance, weather

presenter Helga van Leur once pointed

out the Euonymus, commonly known as the spindle tree. When its purplish-pink seed capsules split open, the bright

yellow berries inside stand out strikingly.

So strikingly, in fact, that Vincent van Gogh used a similar technique in his

painting ‘Café Terrace at Night’, where he painted the stars in the sky purple

to make the yellow of the café terrace

appear even warmer and more vibrant.

Just as the yellow berries become more attractive to birds against the purple

background, art lovers tend to linger a bit longer in front of this painting. The colours in nature - including green exist for a reason.

Minier Professional Solutions (Hortival Diffusion)

What do our particpants think?

Jelle Havermans of About

Plants has a strong opinion

work. These objectives

company like Van Vliet New Plants. After

new innovations are

on the plants we are

of plants are distributed to specialised

on this: “Only genuinely

can vary depending

truly interesting. A small

working with: flower

adjustment in colour or

colour and size, plant

shape can certainly be

shape, flowering in the

an improvement, but in

first year of cultivation,

such cases, it’s essential

to retire the old variety from

the market. A true innovation,

pot production, etc.

Hibiscus syriacus IGLOO® ‘Minsycbb2b’ (Hortival Diffusion)

one that significantly differs from

criteria can be taken into

shape, growth habit, or resistance, often

account to define a new plant,

performs well in the market initially.

and they should be compared with

plant actually fares over the following

producing hardy and frost-resistant

public green spaces,” says Jelle.

of trees, fruit trees, shrubs, conifers,

years in gardens, on balconies, or in “It’s about making choices,” Jelle

continues. “Making the right choices as a grower or trader is vital, but not always easy given the vast diversity

within any given range. As a grower, you

can’t produce everything. I would advise: choose a particular direction and stick to it. Moreover, there’s an even more

plants. Minier offers a vast selection

climbers, bamboos, and grasses. Their

specialities include Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Magnolia, Syringa, and Wisteria. Each year, 4 million shaped plants and 10

million young plants are shipped across Europe, as well as to the United States, South Africa, and Japan.

important consideration today; can the

The importance of selection

ideally, without the use of pesticides?”

began, production has improved through

innovation be cultivated responsibly, or

Minier Professional Solutions, from

Beaufort and Anjou (F) was founded in 1838, in the Anjou, which is also

known as ‘the garden of France’. Minier has expanded its cultivated area to over 300 hectares, which includes an exceptional plant collection

that is invaluable for creating new

varieties. The mild climate, the warm

summers, and the fertile silt from the

river Loire provide ideal conditions for

selection process,

these numerous

existing types in terms of colour, leaf

However, it’s crucial to observe how the

Throughout the

“Since humans settled and agriculture the selection of species and clones,”

says Olivier Pallussière. “We have seen the same phenomenon for centuries in horticulture. Everyone values the

innovation level of a plant according to their own criteria: a grower is attracted by vegetative qualities or disease

resistance, while the end customer is primarily drawn to attractive shape or colour. Therefore, it is important

to establish a research focus when

conducting hybridisation and selection

existing varieties to maintain a critical

perspective. It is important to continually add new varieties to our range to

enhance the quality and aesthetics of

our plants and thus stimulate the market.

“And,” Olivier Pallussière adds, “let’s not forget that customers’ first question is always the same: ‘What’s new?’”

Van Vliet New Plants from Stroe, is specialised in the introduction,

exploitation, and management of

new plant species protected by plant breeders’ rights. When a grower is

sufficiently convinced of the potential of

their new variety, they have the option to bring it to market through a specialised

concluding a trial agreement, a number growers within the network. Over a

specified period (usually 2 years), these growers test the plant for its qualities to provide a thorough assessment. If the

plant performs well during the trial period, they can apply for plant breeders’ rights.

This can be done on a country-by-country basis, per continent (such as Europe), or globally. It must be demonstrated

that the plant meets all requirements regarding novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability.

Once a new cultivar is launched, it is

crucial to continuously manage and

promote it. “There’s no point flooding the market with novelties,” says Sander van

Vliet. “It should be about innovations that genuinely contribute to the assortment.

Many minor mutations are often chance discoveries, and careful consideration

is needed to determine if the market is

interested in that mutation. Because even with novelties, it’s about responding to

market interest. A completely new colour is certainly interesting, but factors like disease resistance, low maintenance, and compact growth habits are also important considerations.” 

On behalf of Vakbeurs GrootGroenPlus: Erik Bastiaensen, member of the board “ The nursery stock industry clearly shows that there’s no such thing as one type of

green! But what colours do we see and why? Some of the participants of the trade fair also shine a light on this and show us their true colours...” 

20 Text: Addo Sprangers

ADVERTORIAL

BUSINESS CENTRE TREEPORT (BCT) PUTS GREEN ON DISPLAY

Impressions: Joyce Oomen Blooming Business B.V. With great, sustainable buildings and spacious connecting

roads, the set-up of Business Centre Treeport (BCT) is created

based on a clear vision. Yet, the green part still seems to be a bit forgotten. Seems, since a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

It will approximately take two to three

plan. Biodiversity is

terrain - at the Dutch side this is 54

comes to creating a

years before the greenery of the BCT

hectares - will be finished completely.

That has to do with a few construction works that have not been completed yet. BCT wants to prevent that the greenery will be damaged by the

future construction works. And, before the planting will start, the soil will be inspected, as recommended by the work group Agro biodiversity from

Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport.

To achieve the best results, the

circumstances must be exactly right.

the keyword when it

green and natural area

of 12 hectares at the BCT terrain. In the future, this

area will include wadis, trees,

trails, perennials, and mixtures of

flowers and herbs. There is also space

for a so-called seed orchard, a location with trees and plants that will supply

terrain must function

already planted. This also applies to a

movements of for example

seeds. Two parts of that seed orchard are buffer zone alongside the ditches.

Good soil and good cultivation do take

Wadi

but the green will not last. Every company

more patience, such as a wadi of no less

time. Planting everything may look nice,

that establishes itself at BCT, will have to provide some greenery.

Biodiversity

The work group Agro biodiversity

specialises in planning and consultancy.

This work group advises on the greenery that has been anchored into the zoning

optimally. That means that

pedestrians, bicyclists, and freight traffic must be monitored.

The creation of other parts requires

Wider look

than two hectares. That area will get the

that the greenery of the BCT should also

appearance of a park, and its design

will focus on biodiversity and liveability.

For children, a barefoot path will be

created, and there will be space to have a pick-nick. The perfect place to walk or

cycle in a natural setting. Some practical aspects also play a part. The business

Impressie 2 / A3

BCT / Retentie Hazeldonksebeek / Voorlopig Ontwerp / 14 april 2024

Plattegrond sfeerimressie / schaal 1:10

BCT / Retentie Hazeldonksebeek / Voorlopig Ontwerp / 14

‘Last but not least’, it has been decided

at their own products. Three clusters -

function as a showcase for the industry,

together in the greenery, which should

which shows the beauty of combined

disciplines such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials. At the same time, the greenery should make sure that the

tree nursery industry starts to look at the industry as a whole, and not just

trees, hedges, and flowers - must merge result in a fertile habitat for insects. All that green will be visible in the entire

main axis of the BCT. The outside terrain

of knowledge and research centre ROOTZ will also be decorated with functional green. 