'The industry focuses too much on what happens above ground'

When walking through a tree nursery, people often automatically look at what is visible above ground: height growth, branching, uniformity and colour. According to Rob Tolenaars of TTS, however, this certainly doesn't say everything about the quality of a plant. “The real foundation is below ground,” he states. “That is ultimately where it is determined how strongly a plant develops.”

Tree Nursery Technology Day: “Here, growers see things here that they want to apply themselves tomorrow”

On Thursday 25 June, the annual Tree Nursery Technology Day will take place at Esri Potcultuur and Boomkwekerij Kennis on Oekelsestraat in Rijsbergen. What once started out as a small-scale gathering focused on mechanical weed control has now grown into a meeting place for tree nursery growers, mechanisation companies and technology developers from the Netherlands and Belgium. Yet, according to co-initiator John Dictus of Boomkwekerij Dictus Hereijgers, the event should above all retain what makes it strong: accessibility, a practical focus and technology developed by growers themselves.

Bartın Province in Turkey puts organic aronia berries in the spotlight

The Turkish province of Bartın is set to play a significant role in the organic cultivation of aronia berries. This is according to Cengiz Bostanci, an agricultural engineer working in the province of Bartın: “At a time when interest in functional foods and organic agriculture and horticulture is growing worldwide, the province of Bartın in Turkey is strengthening its position in the global aronia berry market. Thanks to a combination of government support, investment from the private sector and cooperative initiatives, Bartın is not only building a cultivation centre, but one of the purest aronia ecosystems in the world. Aronia cultivation in Bartın began in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Production Development Project, in collaboration with the Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute.”

TTS joins GGP.news

With its practical view on rooting, tray development and young plant quality, TTS has built a clear position within the international tree nursery industry in recent years. The company, owned by Rob Tolenaars, focuses on tray systems that not only make efficient production possible, but above all contribute to a stronger root system and more uniform plant development.

Theme ‘Growing Together’ takes on a broad meaning at the trade fair floor

Growth does not happen automatically. It requires choices, initiative and making connections. That is exactly what GrootGroenPlus wants to stimulate at the trade fair floor this autumn with its theme ‘Growing Together’. But what does that mean in practice? “Sometimes growth simply means taking a step back for a moment,” says marketing expert and board member of the trade fair, Loïs Lodders.

Garden market in Germany comparatively stable

Given the generally gloomy economic mood in Germany, horticulture is still in relatively good shape. This was also made clear at the Media Day Garden event organised by the German Horticultural Industry Association (IVG) in Cologne in February 2026. The organisers were encouraging about the future of the green sector, despite all the challenges: plants and gardening continue to offer opportunities for those who are rethinking their approach and adapting to change. 

Elimination of reduced VAT rate on ornamental horticultural products has major impact

The government intends to eliminate the reduced VAT rate for ornamental horticulture products as of 1 January 2028. Erik Stuurbrink, chairman of the sector group Bomen, Vaste Planten en Zomerblomeen (Trees, Perennials and Summer Flowers) of LTO Nederland, questions whether the government is aware of the long-term impact of this measure.

Nursery stock sector in Germany: urban and deciduous trees on the rise

High energy prices, inflation and uncertainties at national and global level posed major challenges for many German companies last year. Export-oriented industries were under pressure, purchasing power declined and consumer sentiment was subdued.
The number of insolvencies rose, and even long-established companies were forced to close due to cheaper competition from abroad and declining orders. All of this has also had consequences for horticulture, and many horticultural businesses have avoided making investments.

Groen van bij ons, Flemish campaign ‘Groene planten, vaste klanten’

Groen van bij ons has launched a campaign in Flanders to inspire garden owners to start working with green perennials. With the slogan ‘Groene planten, vaste klanten’ ('Green plants, steady customers), the Flemish Centre for Agro- and Fisheries Marketing (VLAM) aims to convince consumers to choose perennial outdoor plants, which they can enjoy all year round.

The full range of ornamental products, interwoven with surprises

AVBS stand at the Floraliën becomes one big journey of discovery. That, in a nutshell, is what the stand of the professional organisation of ornamental growers and green contractors, AVBS, will look like. Unlike previous editions, where each houseplant grower or tree nursery more or less had ‘their own little corner’ within the group stand, the plants are now presented where they can look their best, helping to tell the overall story of the stand. Architects Wouter François and Kris Van Cauter are creating an experience here. In the past, visitors were sometimes overwhelmed by the total impression at once, they are now creating a journey of discovery. “Visitors will experience a walk full of stimuli, emotion and experience, in which their connection with what they see is deepened layer by layer,” Wouter explains.

Azaleas, camellias and a touch of tea: how Italy conquered a niche market

The professional cultivation of acid-loving plants in Italy has a long history. As early as the second half of the 19th century, on the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore, some gardeners who worked in the parks of the majestic villas in the area, thanks to their experience and realizing that the demand for these plants was very high, helped by their families, set up their own businesses, growing azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. These plants were the most suitable for the area, given the acidic nature of the local soil. Very old specimens can still be found in parks and gardens in the area, which sometimes are now used as mother plants to reintroduce ‘ancient’ varieties to the market.

Water Insight: from measuring to managing water at field level

Water has long ceased to be a given for tree nurseries. Dry summers, wet winters, dry summers with wet periods, wet summers with dry periods, and increasing pressure on groundwater mean that growers must increasingly think about what is happening on their fields. But managing water starts with insight, and in practice that insight is often still lacking.

Tree Nursery Hergo: steering on precision in a changing cultivation practice

In an industry where labour is becoming scarcer and pressure on chemical crop protection continues to increase, Tree Nursery Hergo deliberately chooses a different approach. Over the past few years, the company has developed into a practical example of how technology and craftsmanship can strengthen each other in tree nursery production. Not simply by increasing scale, but by organising production in a smarter and more precise way.

“Technology should not be interesting because it is new, but because it actually works in the field.”

Nursery De Weimer spreads risks with a wide assortment and invests in container production

Nursery De Weimer, owned by Corné Leenaerts and located in Zundert, the Netherlands, is not a typical specialised nursery. The company combines forest and hedge plants, shrubs, potted roses and container production. This diversified structure developed over the years, but has now become a clear strategy: spreading risks and serving different markets. At the same time, the nursery is investing in container production and greenhouse cultivation to reduce dependence on field production and gain more control over production planning.

Brasserie ROOTZ adds a new dimension to Business Centre Treeport

In 2024, the multidisciplinary knowledge centre for the tree nursery industry at Business Centre Treeport, ROOTZ, opened its doors. ROOTZ functions as a living laboratory, testing environment and meeting place, matching what the name stands for: Ruimte voor Onderzoek en Ontmoeting met Treeport Zundert (space for research and collaboration with Treeport Zundert). The main focus of the knowledge centre is to facilitate activities related to the tree nursery industry. This includes plant research, vertical farming, research into active substances, education, robotics, energy and biobased construction, soil and water analyses and much more. Sustainability is the guiding principle. Naturally, an innovative design was chosen for the building, including water collection and a green roof. The exterior façade is fitted with special wall panels made from residual wood streams and will partly be covered with living greenery.

Circulation plan in place to manage fuel tourism traffic

At the business parks Hazeldonk, Meer and Business Centre Treeport (BCT) along the E19 in Meer, a circulation plan will be introduced to prevent through traffic from ending up in traffic jams caused by fuel tourism. Many international drivers come to Belgium to purchase fuel, as prices there are significantly lower than in the Netherlands.

Smarter irrigation: what growers learn from field trials in Zundert

One summer, growers face excess water, the next they deal with drought. Therefore, for tree nurseries in the Zundert growing area, water management is becoming increasingly important. Within the Irrigation Techniques project, entrepreneurs, advisors and the water board are investigating how water can be used more efficiently in open field cultivation. Field trials at companies, including Hergo Boomkwekerij, show that better measurements and smarter techniques can quickly lead to water savings, without compromising cultivation.

New Variety: Agapanthus Lady Series (Lady Lauren & Lady Lay)

Within the expanding range of Agapanthus selections, the Lady series holds a clear position. The series has been developed with a strong focus on three key traits: exceptionally long flowering (over 100 days per year), a high number of flower stems, and healthy, robust foliage.

This directly addresses three important market demands: extended retail shelf life, strong visual impact on the sales bench, and reliable garden performance. Within the series, Agapanthus ‘Lady Lauren’ and ‘Lady Lay’ are two key representatives, each with its own identity but based on the same genetic foundation.

The Lady series is globally propagated and commercially distributed by three specialised growers: Gootjes-AllPlant, Deroose Plants and Vitro Westland. This ensures scale, continuity and international availability.

Children vote for Lavender as Garden Plant of 2026!

On Wednesday 18 March, four classes from primary schools in Schijf, Zundert, Rijsbergen, and Effen stepped into the voting booth for Boomstemdag (Tree Voting Day).

Grower’s Pride: Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’

Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’ is one of the most widely recognised cultivars within the range of Japanese maples. The variety is valued for its deep purple-red foliage and elegant growth habit, characteristics that have made it a long-standing favourite in gardens and landscape design. At Hoogenraad Handelskwekerijen the cultivar is grown with a strong focus on uniformity, plant quality and professional market supply. Its distinctive colour, manageable size and consistent performance make ‘Atropurpureum’ a reliable product for garden centres, landscapers and export markets.

Compact Hydrangea conquers the market

In a market where hydrangeas are widely available in large volumes, it may seem difficult to introduce a truly distinctive variety. Yet that is exactly what Jean-Pierre van der Peijl of Van der Peijl Tuinplanten has achieved. With his so-called Little Hydrangea concept, he developed a series of compact hydrangeas that naturally remain low-growing, aligning better with consumer expectations. What started as a simple observation in a garden centre has grown into a proprietary line with international protection and distribution far beyond Europe.

New Variety: Buddleja ‘Birthday Cake’ by Van Vliet New Plants

With Buddleja ‘Birthday Cake’, a compact butterfly bush enters the market that stands out for its abundant flowering and long ornamental value. The purple flowers appear stacked above the plant, creating an effect reminiscent of a layered birthday cake. This gives the plant a full and eye-catching appearance.

A practical advantage is that the flowers turn brown much less quickly during the fading stage compared with many other varieties. As a result, the plant remains visually attractive for a longer period at the garden centre.

Young plants of ‘Birthday Cake’ are exclusively available through Florensis, which markets the variety internationally to professional growers.

Scan smarter: AI cameras guard biodiversity at nursery

Knowing what flying and creeping creatures are present at a location is crucial in agriculture and horticulture, but manually monitoring insects is sheer drudgery. That is about to change. With the results from the project ‘Automatic Insect monitoring at and around nurseries’, North Brabant can fully focus on digitisation to increase biodiversity and refine crop protection. 

Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little’ (Little XS) by Van der Peijl Tuinplanten

Within the segment of compact hydrangeas, demand is steadily increasing for varieties that naturally remain small without intensive pruning. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Little’, also known as Little XS, responds directly to this development. The plant is a proprietary breeding of Van der Peijl Tuinplanten and forms part of the company’s Little concept, which focuses on compact hydrangeas for smaller gardens. Little XS was developed to offer a recognizable hydrangea that stays compact while maintaining the classic ornamental qualities of Hydrangea macrophylla. The cultivar is available in five flower colours: white, red, blue, purple and pink, allowing growers and retailers to present a varied and attractive colour range.

Grower’s Pride: Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ by Van der Peijl Tuinplanten

Within the range of structural garden plants, Cordyline ‘Charlie Boy’ occupies a distinctive position. This selection combines a strong tropical appearance with surprisingly good suitability for European gardens. At Van der Peijl Tuinplanten, this cultivar is deliberately cultivated for professional markets such as garden centres, landscapers and export channels. Its compact growth, striking foliage colour and clear recognisability make ‘Charlie Boy’ a distinctive addition to the segment of architectural garden plants.

Breda, Hoogstraten and Zundert will increase cooperation on the three business parks Hazeldonk, Transportzone Meer and Business Centre Treeport

Today, the municipalities of Breda and Zundert and the City of Hoogstraten took an important step towards the future of the cross-border business park area along the A16/E19 on the Belgian-Dutch border. On 5 March, the 'Convenant Grensverbond' (border alliance convenant) was signed: a new and sustainable international collaboration that is necessary to jointly address cross-border challenges.

Tree nursery industry report: industry remains stable, but differences between companies are increasing

The autumn of 2025 was short, erratic and unpredictable for the tree nursery industry. Nevertheless, the industry generally managed to hold up well. Turnover remained on average stable and exports increased significantly. At the same time, it is becoming clear that the differences between companies are increasing and that financial pressure on some entrepreneurs is increasing considerably. This emerged from the Sectorrapport Boomkwekerij Najaar 2025 (tree nursery industry report) published by Van Oers.

Grower’s Pride: NewGen® Buxus

Boxwood has faced significant pressure in recent years. Pests such as boxwood leafminer have damaged confidence in the crop, both at nursery level and in the end market. At the same time, demand for evergreen, formable structure plants has not disappeared. NewGen® Boxwood responds directly to this tension by introducing genetically selected cultivars developed for improved tolerance to boxwood blight and strong resistance to leafminer.
Within the program, two cultivars stand out: NewGen® Independence (‘SB108’) and NewGen® Freedom (‘SB300’).

Successful spring edition of Florall with international interest and awards for innovations

On 3 March, the spring edition of Florall took place at Waregem Expo. During this trade fair, sixty producers and ten supply and export companies presented their assortment for the upcoming season. Visitors could enjoy a wide range of houseplants, garden plants, terrace plants, and fruit trees. Despite the nice weather – which usually sparks busyness in the garden centres – the fair attracted considerable interest from both national and international visitors. 

Grower’s Pride: Cornus alba ‘Nightfall’

With Cornus alba ‘Nightfall’, Boomkwekerij Verpaalen introduces a distinctly dark-leaved selection that adds new depth to the traditional Cornus alba segment. Whereas most Cornus alba cultivars are valued mainly for their winter twigs, 'Nightfall' adds intense purple-black foliage (featuring a greyish-velvety haze on the underside) during the growing season. This dual ornamental value creates year-round appeal and offers clear commercial potential for growers looking to strengthen and differentiate their shrub assortment.

Dutch urban tree tenders are becoming more demanding

Urban tree tenders in the Netherlands are becoming more demanding and performance-oriented. While size and price remain relevant, municipalities increasingly focus on long-term performance under urban stress conditions. For nursery growers supplying the Dutch market, this means that demonstrable quality and documentation are gaining importance.

Grower’s Pride: Carpinus betulus

Carpinus betulus – commonly known as European hornbeam – has been a stable cornerstone of the European forest and hedge plant assortment for decades. While trends shift and new cultivars enter the market, this species continues to prove its value through reliability, adaptability and strong growth. For Roelands Boomkwekerijen, Carpinus betulus is not a side product, but a structural element within the core assortment.

Grower’s Pride: Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, commonly known as Persian ironwood, is steadily establishing itself as a core species within climate-resilient assortments. At Vormboomkwekerij Ruud van den Berk, this tree is purposefully cultivated in several high-quality shaped forms. The combination of technical reliability, strong ornamental value and broad applicability – as a multi-stemmed tree, standard screen form and low screen form – makes Parrotia a strategic species within the nursery’s assortment.

Germany accelerates transition to peat-reduced and peat-free substrates in the tree nursery industry

The German tree nursery industry is accelerating the transition to peat-reduced and peat-free substrates. Across several federal states, demonstration projects are supporting nurseries in testing alternative growing media as part of Germany’s strategy to significantly reduce peat use in professional horticulture by 2030.

Grower’s Pride: Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’ has long been a cornerstone within the evergreen assortment. This compact cherry laurel combines a low, spreading habit with a striking spring bloom. For growers, it represents a dependable product with consistent demand in both landscaping projects and retail markets.

Grower's Pride: Taxus Baccata

Taxus baccata is one of the most consistent and durable evergreen products in the professional nursery assortment. While many species are influenced by trends and changing demand, yew remains a reliable cornerstone for growers focusing on quality, longevity and stable sales. The species combines technical reliability with long-term economic value. For Kwekerij Peter Verhoeven, Taxus baccata is therefore not a secondary crop, but a strategic foundation within the assortment, aimed at continuity throughout the supply chain.

Flora Toscana presented scented plants at Myplant

The companies in the Lazio floriculture region joined forces in a strong organisation.

When we talk about a large, contiguous floriculture centre in Italy, the name Pistoia quickly comes to mind. But there is more! In March 2020, when the whole world was overwhelmed and disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, the flower and plant growers of Lazio turned this very difficult period into a unique opportunity: they joined forces and began to build the identity of the flower and plant growing centre of the Lazio region. It was a small step from idea to realisation, and in just 48 hours, the non-profit association became a reality.

The 26th Premio La Città per il Verde (The Green City) produced many interesting projects.

The award, which is divided into four categories: Urban Greenery, Greenery Maintenance, Best Volunteer Initiative for the Management of Urban Green Spaces and The Resilient City, stands out as a national Italian recognition for policies aimed at the valorisation, management and development of urban greenery and landscape. The theme of the 2026 edition focuses on green spaces as strategic infrastructure for quality of life, biodiversity and adaptation to climate change. The award ceremony took place on 20 February at the Myplant & Garden, a trade fair for ornamental horticulture, gardening and landscape architecture.

THE ITALIAN AND INTERNATIONAL MARKET

During the Myplant press conference, attention was also paid to figures relating to the Italian market.In 2024, the value of Italian horticulture production exceeded €3.25 billion (ISTAT), up 3.5% on 2023, +23% over five years and +30.8% compared to 2014, despite climatic and market challenges.

Bloombux® as a Boxwood Alternative: Long-Term Trial in Germany Confirms Strengths of the Dwarf Rhododendron

For many years, the Horticultural Teaching and Research Institute (LVG) Bad Zwischenahn-Rostrup in Germany has been testing boxwood alternatives for small edging hedges under practical conditions. The focus is on the question of which woody plants are suitable as a replacement for boxwood – which is currently plagued by diseases and pests – in terms of winter hardiness, pests, diseases, hedge density, and growth vigor. As one of the few flowering alternatives in the field of evergreen shrubs, the Rhododendron Bloombux® from the INKARHO® breeding program has proven its worth.

“Green Olympics” at Myplant & Garden

“Green Olympics” in Milan: Myplant, the international trade fair of horticulture, gardening and landscaping (Fiera Milano Rho, 18–20 February), was presented to the press. A 60,000-sqm “green arena” hosting a major exhibition challenge featuring the finest plants, the most spectacular flowers, the most innovative engines, the best landscape projects, the most sustainable solutions, the greenest cities, the best floral design schools, and the most effective techniques for green care.

BRICODAY, 18th edition: 23-24 September 2026 at FieraMilano Rho (IT).

Bricoday confirmed its central role in the international trade fair landscape of the DIY–home–garden sectors with a record-setting 2025 edition, marked by double-digit growth in both exhibitors and visitors and by strong interest in its rich programme of events, mention the organisers.

Special attention for landscaping at Myplant&Garden

Myplant & Garden is preparing to celebrate its TENTH edition, 18-20 February2026. The theme is 'Green is More". A special milestone that also marks significant growth: 60,000 m2 of exhibition space and the debut of MY LANDSCAPE, in Pavilion 8, the new thematic area dedicated to landscape architecture, the environment and constructed greenery.

Hillier Nurseries, UK, wins AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026

The coveted Gold Rose Award was presented to Hillier Nurseries on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, during a ceremony at IPM Essen in Germany by Linda Hoogendoorn-Veelenturf, CEO of MPS Group – the main sponsor of the Awards. Established in 2009, the AIPH IGOTY Awards recognise best practices in horticulture by the world's leading ornamental plant nurseries and celebrate the expertise and energy they bring to horticulture.

4 Garden plants awarded in IPM Novelty contest

As part of the opening ceremony, the best new plant introductions were honoured in the IPM Novelty Showcase. The competition attracted 42 entries from 27 exhibitors. Eight new varieties were awarded in six categories. Four plants were awarded prizes in the woody plants category.

IPM ESSEN 2026 sends positive signals for the horticultural industry

Discussions with participants revealed concerns about the economic situation, uncertain markets and rising requirements in production and marketing. People are less inclined to make investments. There were positive comments about participation in the IPM. The first three days were well attended and meaningful contacts were made.. “IPM ESSEN is the central international platform for orientation, exchange and future solutions,” summarises Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen. “Networking within the horticultural industry is essential today – the key to identifying trends early, finding answers together to structural challenges and consistently seizing new opportunities.”

Grower’s Pride: Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’ (EN)

Acer platanoides ‘Columnare’ is a columnar Norway maple that addresses the growing demand for slender avenue trees in streets, residential areas and business parks. For tree nurseries, it is a typical project-oriented product with clear added value in urban environments.

Grower’s Pride: Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ (EN)

Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’ is a classic within the conifer assortment and a stable cornerstone product for many nurseries. Its narrow, dense growth and long-lasting fresh green colour make this variety a key choice for hedges and linear plantings.

Grower’s Pride: Hydrangea serrata Living Red Velvet (EN)

Hydrangea serrata Living Red Velvet is part of a new generation of hydrangeas selected not only for colour, but also for winter hardiness and reblooming capacity. For nurseries, this series offers a distinctive story towards trade and consumers, with Living Red Velvet as a key colour highlight.