
Ghelardeschi Piante: Italian nursery rooted in family and own production
Nestled in the heart of Italy’s renowned nursery region of Pistoia, **Ghelardeschi Piante** has been growing outdoor ornamental plants since the 1960s. Now run by the third generation – represented by Gabriele Ghelardeschi – the company is exhibiting at GrootGroenPlus for the first time.

Zorn Baumschulen: Strong fruit trees and ornamental shrubs from Northern Germany
Zorn Baumschulen, based in Tangstedt near Hamburg, has been growing a wide and deep assortment of fruit trees and high-quality ornamental shrubs since 1981. With strong lines in flowering crabapples, ornamental cherries and fruit varieties, they are well-known for supplying vigorous, robust plants for the solitary and landscape market.

Baumschule Hachmann: 2000 premium varieties from Northern Germany
Based in Barmstedt, Germany, Baumschule Hachmann has been a trusted name in ornamental woody plants since 1929. The nursery offers more than 2000 varieties, including Rhododendrons, Japanese maples, Hamamelis, Cornus, heathers, deciduous shrubs and conifers – all grown in robust quality for the European green retail market.

Hoogenraad Nurseries joins GGP.news as official partner
As of July 1st, 2025, Hoogenraad Nurseries is officially a partner of GGP.news. Based in Ederveen, the Netherlands, this family business has been growing and supplying a wide range of ornamental shrubs and perennials to customers throughout Europe and beyond for over sixty years. Hoogenraad is known for strong genetics, reliable deliveries, and a forward-looking market vision.

Helmut Röttger Baumschulen: Roses with flavour and full-service support
In Heist, Northern Germany – part of one of the largest contiguous tree nursery regions in Europe – you’ll find Helmut Röttger Baumschulen. For over 50 years, this family-run nursery has grown high-quality roses and perennials for the professional green retail sector. What sets them apart is their wide range of roses from leading breeders – including David Austin®, Flower Carpet® (Noack) and the unique Taste of Love® collection.

Hortinex GmbH: Smart, commission-free horticulture platform with AI support
The German company Hortinex GmbH is making its debut at GrootGroenPlus this year. Based in Bersenbrück, Hortinex launched a digital B2B platform tailored to the professional horticulture industry. It allows growers to present their products – from ornamental plants to machinery – without paying any commission. Buyers register for free and gain direct access to prices, stock levels and supplier contact details.

TTO Willem becomes Boomkwekerij Nutrival
As of June 25, 2025, TTO Willem will continue under the new name Boomkwekerij Nutrival. This new name — a combination of Nut, Tree, and Nutrition — highlights the direction the family business has taken in recent years: breeding and cultivating high-quality nut and fruit trees for the professional market.

B2B E-commerce in Tree Nurseries: Opportunity or Threat to Traditional Trade Channels?
The digital revolution in the tree nursery sector is in full swing. An increasing number of growers are showcasing their assortments online, aiming to conduct direct business with landscapers, green service providers, wholesalers, and international buyers. Platforms like Floriday and Varb, along with proprietary B2B webshops from growers such as Plantmarket, Directplant Pro, Olaf Nijenkamp, and Bomenbezorgd to Business, are reshaping the landscape. What does this mean for traditional trade channels? And to what extent should growers embrace digitalization?

Targeted content creation on GGP.News strengthens international impact
GrootGroenPlus is expanding its content strategy to promote trade and cooperation. A well-informed audience is essential for the success of GrootGroenPlus (GGP). For this reason, EPS is investing in a targeted content strategy for GGP.News, the platform that highlights participants, visitors, and market developments. By creating and strategically distributing high-quality content, GGP is enhancing its international visibility and stimulating trade and collaboration within the tree nursery industry.

Standard tree industry Opheusden continues to research and innovate
The cultivation of standard trees in the Netherlands predominantly takes place in the Betuwe region, within the clay soils of Opheusden, located between the major rivers. Initially focused on fruit growing, the region shifted its focus to standard tree cultivation during the 20th century. Over 160 companies are members of Tree Centre Opheusden (TCO), collectively managing 1,950 hectares primarily dedicated to standard trees.

Interesting investments in Greek landscaping
In recent years, Greece has witnessed a significant surge in investments within the construction sector, particularly with a focus on tourism development. These investments are not only transforming the urban landscape but also enhancing the country’s appeal as a global tourist destination. In this article, we will explore three of the largest ongoing projects in Greece, each of which exemplifies the new wave of tourism-focused construction. Two of these projects are located in Athens, while the third is situated in Elounda, Crete.

Employees of the future
One of the most pressing challenges facing the tree nursery industry is the shortage of personnel. Finding skilled employees is an enormous task, both now and for the future. Are the demands placed on employees changing, both now and in the coming years? Are different expectations being placed on employers? What does the ideal employee look like, and how can companies attract them as efficiently as possible? The KwekersBode discussed these questions with two participants, each offering their own specific perspective: Ergon Kwekerij and accounting firm aaff.

New entrepreneurs share their stories
The tree nursery industry often faces challenges such as ageing demographics and a lack of successors, but young entrepreneurs are still stepping up, both in nurseries and in the technical sector. The KwekersBode spoke to four of them to hear their stories.

BCT gains recognition as the Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands:
‘This award is a recognition and appreciation of our efforts’ “Business Centre Treeport (BCT) sets a remarkable standard for how business parks can contribute to a greener future,” declared the jury when naming the Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands for 2024. The accolade was announced during the Day of Economic Affairs hosted by Stichting CLOK. Overjoyed with the recognition, BCT now shifts its focus to further preparation for construction at its sustainable business park. "We aim to use the latest techniques to make our public spaces even more climate-resilient and robust," says project manager Remco van Dessel.

Stichting EPS opens third round for innovative projects
Stichting European Plant Support (EPS) is once again inviting project proposals for financial support. Following two successful rounds—focused on stimulating international trade and supporting educational and sustainable initiatives—it is now time for a new opportunity to realise innovative ideas for the tree nursery industry. Entrepreneurs and organisations have until 1 March 2025 to submit their projects.

Urban Interior Congress: ‘Let citizens and businesses invest in urban greenery’
The bill for a green living environment should not only fall on governments, but on everyone who benefits from it. So said Minouche Besters, partner at city maker STIPO. She was keynote speaker at the Urban Interior Congress in the Dutch citxy Arnhem and sees opportunities for green spaces to be co-financed and maintained by residents, entrepreneurs and developers.

Climate resilient nursery plants Made in Hungary
Due to the unique environmental conditions, historic traditions and high skills nursery plant production is the most prosperous segment of the ornamental sector in Hungary without a doubt.
GREEN - PROMISING COLOR - Polish nursery stock industry at a glance
The present situation of the Polish ornamental nursery stock sector can be briefly described as „promising but not quite predictable”. As in other countries, the extraordinary boom in the green industry triggered by the pandemic and lockdowns has weakened but has created new customers. Nevertheless, it’s time for more balanced operations and for overcoming challenges connected with the economy and the war in the neighbourhood.

Through innovation, Wilbert Stek strives for the highest quality cuttings
At Wilbert Stek they have been busy this past year. Innovating the range of cuttings plays a major role at this specialised cutting company in Gendt. During the upcoming edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, the results of their efforts will be showcased. The truted and successful assortment will be presented in full, but Wilbert Stek will also highlight a few new additions, such as Hedera hibernica, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Thuja in the paper plug. Wilbert van Luenen, owner of Wilbert Stek, is eager to see and hear the reactions.
New name, new products, new generation
For twenty years, the desired growth within the company was hindered, as it was located outside the designated tree nursery zone. However, thanks to a pilot program with the municipality and the water board, there are now opportunities that provide a future outlook and space for entrepreneurial spirit. So, be sure to visit Van Dijck Young Plants at GrootGroenPlus. They have much to share with you.