‘One in 250: that’s when you know you’ve found something special’

Of the hundreds of new plants Peter Kroes sees, many are rejected almost immediately. Not because they are bad plants, but because ‘good’ is simply no longer good enough. The market is crowded, which means that the bar is being raised continuously. Every now and then, however, something comes along that immediately catches the attention of the director of Van Vliet New Plants. ‘Maybe one in 250. That’s when you think: wham, this is the one.’

Sustainability and collaboration take centre stage at GrootGroenPlus 2026

From 30 September to 2 October 2026, the 36th edition of GrootGroenPlus will take place at the BCT site near the Hazeldonk border crossing in the municipality of Zundert. This year, the international trade fair for the tree nursery industry is entirely dedicated to the theme Growing Together. With this theme, the trade fair emphasises the importance of collaboration, innovation and a sustainable future for the tree nursery industry and the wider green industry.

KVBC inspects new varieties at GrootGroenPlus

Introducing a new cultivar is an important moment for a grower or breeder. It is often preceded by years of crossing, selecting and growing. An independent assessment shows the qualities of such a new plant and what it adds to the existing assortment. This year, the Koninklijke Vereniging van Boskoopse Culturen (KVBC) will once again be present at GrootGroenPlus to independently assess new plants.

Dutch ornamental plant industry sounds alarm bell: scrap the VAT increase on flowers and plants

The Dutch ornamental plant industry is sounding the alarm bell as the government stands by its plan to increase VAT on flowers, plants, trees and bulbs from 9 to 21 per cent. The measure will make greenery more expensive, harm businesses throughout the supply chain and is counteractive to ambitions for sustainability, greening, health and wellbeing. The industry is therefore urgently calling on coalition and opposition parties in the House of Representatives and the Senate to scrap the VAT increase. This measure runs counter to greening ambitions and will result in hundreds of millions of euros in economic damage.

GrootGroenPlus 2026 Buyers Programme attracts international interest

The GrootGroenPlus 2026 Buyers Programme is once again attracting considerable international interest this year. Managers and buyers from garden centres and garden centre chains, wholesalers, landscaping companies, government organisations and trade associations from numerous countries have registered for this special programme.

'Collaboration' is the key word for Marjolein Kloek

A few months ago, Marjolein Kloek (43) was appointed managing director of Stichting Nationale Boomfeestdag, an organisation with which GrootGroenPlus has maintained close ties for many years. High time to get to know her better.

Growers' Pride: Groundbreaker - The Power of Three

At first glance, the name Groundbreaker immediately makes sense. During flowering, these compact hydrangeas create an almost continuous carpet of blooms, combining exceptional flower coverage with a neat, uniform growth habit. What started as a single outstanding selection has evolved into a complete collection of three varieties: Groundbreaker Blush, Groundbreaker Ruby and Groundbreaker Greeny. Together they form The Power of Three—one collection in which each variety has its own colour and character while delivering the same consistent quality and garden performance.

"Let's see how it works somewhere else first"

Introducing new technology into the nursery industry sometimes requires almost as much patience as growing a tree. TTS is introducing a new pot system designed to improve root development through air pruning. Rob Tolenaars of TTS and John van den Bosch, who works for Telermaat and represents TTS, have become familiar with the typical first response from growers: interesting, but let's see if it actually works first.