Growers' Pride: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’

Anyone familiar with Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Bear’ merely as a compact garden shrub may be surprised by the plants grown at Boomkwekerij Peter Verhoeven in Haaren. Here, this panicle hydrangea is trained as a substantial multi-stemmed specimen. Supplied at a height of 140–160 centimetres with a wire root ball, it immediately adds volume, structure and flowers to a planting scheme.

Growers’ Pride: Viburnum davidii

Some plants do not need an extravagant display of flowers to stand out. Viburnum davidii owes much of its ornamental value to its sturdy, dark-green foliage. The prominent veins give every leaf a distinctive texture, while the low and spreading habit creates a strong, compact appearance. It is a shrub that provides volume, colour and structure throughout the year.

Quality Always Prevails

"You should take a little more time for yourself," his wife tells him regularly. Peter Verhoeven smiles when he says it. He turns sixty this November and, in fact, he would like to slow down a little. "But somehow I feel like I'm working more than ever."

Growers' Pride: Hakonechloa macra

Ornamental grasses are usually associated with sunshine and open borders. Hakonechloa macra proves that there is another possibility. This Japanese forest grass thrives in places where many other grasses are less successful: in partial shade, beneath trees and shrubs or beside a sheltered terrace.

Grower's Pride: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’ is a plant that continues to attract attention as the season progresses. Its large, cone-shaped flower panicles emerge creamy white in summer, gradually developing a soft pink blush. As the flowers mature, their colour deepens to an intense strawberry pink and sometimes even rich reddish shades. With younger and older flowers present simultaneously, the plant displays a striking combination of colours.

Why do we do things this way?

A good grower and a good entrepreneur are rarely the same person. One finds satisfaction in producing the perfect crop, while the other focuses on building a future-proof business. At Hergo Nursery in Zundert, these two worlds seem to come together remarkably well.

Growers’ Pride: Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’

With its deep reddish-brown foliage, Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ is a distinctive product within the forestry and hedging range of Hergo Boomkwekerij. At its nursery in Zundert, the red beech is carefully raised from seed. This allows Hergo to control the entire growing process, from young plant material to a strong and uniform final product.

Success is no coincidence. Not even in tree nurseries.

For years, tree nursery cultivation revolved around one central question: how do we develop better plants? Stronger genetics, richer flowering, improved disease resistance and more ornamental value. Every new cultivar had to outperform the previous one. That pursuit still forms the foundation of Living Creations. Even after fifteen years, Alex Schoemaker considers himself first and foremost a breeder.