Planting Material: Legal Risks and Market Opportunities
While the first part of this article focused on quality, origin, and the true cost of young planting material, we now turn to another crucial aspect: legal protection and market opportunities.
The True Cost of Cheap Plant Material
The import of young plant material from countries such as Poland, Italy, and Spain is rapidly increasing. Prices are low, and the supply is plentiful. For growers under pressure from rising costs, this may seem appealing. But what exactly are you buying for a lower price? And what risks are involved in terms of varietal purity, delivery reliability, legal protection, and marketability? Cheap plant material is not necessarily bad – but it requires knowledge, control, and strategic insight. Those who focus solely on the purchase price may later face plant loss, certification issues, or buyers who reject the material.
GREAT FUTURE PERSPECTIVES FOR PERENNIAL CULTIVATION
The Netherlands has a strong position in the cultivation of perennials, thanks to its fertile soil, advanced cultivation techniques, and a well-organised trade infrastructure. The industry contributes to ornamental horticulture, which is an important part of Dutch agricultural exports.
New generation takes over: Wernhout tree nursery rebranded as De Weimer
As of 1 July, Boomkwekerij Leenaerts-Halters & Zn. will officially be in the hands of Corné Leenaerts and his wife Cindy. This marks the continuation of the family business by the next generation, located in the hamlet of De Weimer. Fittingly, the nursery will also adopt a new name: Boomkwekerij De Weimer.
Leading genetics, proven brands and 75 years of grower support
Kordes Jungpflanzen, based in Bilsen, Germany, celebrates 75 years of innovation and grower dedication. As one of Europe’s top suppliers of woody young plants, the company is exhibiting at GrootGroenPlus for the first time this year.
Young plants from Italy – with a personal touch
Vivai Guagno, based in Santa Giustina in Colle (Italy), has been producing young plants and ornamental varieties since 1985. Now led by the second generation, the nursery is known for its authentic in-house production and strong personal contact with customers. Gloria Guagno, sales manager and young plant specialist, will represent the company during their second participation at GrootGroenPlus.
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.