Miscanthus 'Piccolo Rubino' PBR in the spotlight at Green is Life Warsaw
Miscanthus sinensis 'Piccolo Rubino' is a striking new ornamental grass, combining a compact habit with ruby-red plumes and distinctive blue-grey stems. Flowering starts in late August, while the strong, upright growth keeps the plant neat and compact. Reaching around 1.2–1.3 metres in height, 'Piccolo Rubino' is particularly well suited to smaller gardens and container planting.
Growing without limiting yourself
Boomkwekerij Verpaalen is expanding in acreage, production and customer base. But for Hein Verpaalen, growth is not simply about producing more plants. Expansion should primarily create room to make better choices – in cultivation, in the assortment and for the customer. ‘The right plant for the right customer, that’s what it’s ultimately about.’
Treeport expands its reach through GGP.news
Treeport has joined GGP.news. This gives the cooperative association an additional platform to bring projects, knowledge and developments from the tree nursery industry to the attention of a broader group of professionals. According to manager David Bömer, the collaboration fits well with Treeport’s position within the industry. “We have a strong network of our own, but we would like to reach people beyond that network.”
Natuur & Milieu calls on government to use greenery as a heat shield
Summer is not over yet, but one thing is clear: extreme heat is no longer an exception. We have experienced it time and again over the past few months. Hot streets, homes that struggle to cool down and neighbourhoods where shade is hard to find. Especially in neighbourhoods with a lot of paving and little greenery, heat lingers. Here, the perceived temperature can rise to as much as 45°C. Too hot to exercise outdoors, work, meet others, relax or play.
Sheep’s wool instead of plastic anti-root fabric: an interesting experiment
Weeds are something growers want to avoid at the nursery, which is why anti-root fabric is used. However, this is generally made of plastic. Treeport’s Agrobiodiversity working group is experimenting with an alternative. GGP.News spoke with working group member Joyce Oomen about the project. Oomen emphasises that this really is still an experiment: could sheep’s wool be a suitable replacement for plastic anti-root fabric?
Heat could spell the end for Norway spruce in the Ardennes
Persistent heat and drought are leaving increasingly visible marks on Europe’s forests. Familiar tree species such as beech, birch, oak and lime are under pressure. For the Norway spruce in the Ardennes, the situation is even more serious. If several more extremely dry summers occur in the coming years, these characteristic spruce forests could largely disappear within a decade.
Sixth season of ‘Van droom tot tuin’ on Eclips TV and PlattelandsTV starting at 27 September
From Sunday 27 September, ‘Van droom tot tuin’ will once again be broadcast on Eclips TV and PlattelandsTV. For the sixth season, presenter Gil Claes and garden expert Marc Verachtert travel through the five Flemish provinces. They visit more than twenty different garden projects and witness how professional landscape contractors turn dreams into high-quality outdoor spaces.
Rooted in the Profession, Focused on the Future
At Roelands Boomkwekerijen, craftsmanship and innovation go hand in hand. Rowy Roelands is not chasing spectacular growth. Instead, she is building a nursery that becomes stronger, smarter and more resilient—step by step.
Growers’ Pride: Parrotia persica ‘Bella’
A beautiful multi-stemmed tree is about more than just the species. Its structure, branching and the balance between the individual stems are equally important. For Growers’ Pride, Boomkwekerij Peter Verhoeven in Haaren presents the multi-stemmed Parrotia persica ‘Bella’: a distinctive tree that combines shape and colour throughout the seasons.
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.
Kees Burgmans: ‘Extreme weather requires a different way of doing business’
Snow in spring, a dry spell, followed by tropical heat. The past season once again demanded a great deal from tree nurseries. Yet Kees Burgmans of Kwekerij Burgmans in Haaren looks back on the first half of the year with satisfaction. The market remained surprisingly stable. According to him, the biggest challenge does not lie on the sales side, but in how entrepreneurs prepare their businesses for an increasingly unpredictable climate. He sees GrootGroenPlus as the perfect moment to look ahead together.
Joost Sterke: ‘The biggest challenge? Not the market, but the people’
The market for trees and hedge plants remains healthy. Joost Sterke has no doubt about that. According to him, the real challenges for the coming years lie elsewhere: in securing enough skilled workers, further mechanisation, and adapting to stricter requirements regarding water management and crop protection. He sees GrootGroenPlus as the event where the industry both reflects on the past season and looks ahead to the next.
Italian horticulture strengthens ties with the United Kingdom
The Italian ornamental horticulture sector confirms the strategic importance of the UK market with an export value of €43 million in 2025 (+1.3% compared to 2024). During the London edition of Green Agorà, organised by Greenitaly (Fiere di Parma), the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Italian Embassy, key figures from the sector came together to discuss growth, sustainability and the impact of climate change.
HTA launches autumn campaign: Make your garden a success, both this year and the next
Whilst the summer heat is still in the air, the horticultural sector is already looking ahead to autumn and even Christmas. But this period isn’t about winding down; it’s about seizing opportunities. The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is therefore launching the next phase of its ‘Your Garden Year’ campaign under the banner ‘Making the most of now and next year’.
Flower and plant market shows resilience in a challenging second quarter of 2026
Amid a period of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and fluctuating consumer confidence, the floriculture sector is holding its own. In Q2 2026, Royal FloraHolland traded 4.8% fewer flowers and plants than last year, whilst turnover fell by 2.7%. The limited decline in turnover compared to the drop in volume shows that pricing remained stable in many product groups.
Update on the Crop Protection Covenant (Convenant Gewasbescherming)
Last week, the administrative consultation on the Crop Protection Covenant took place. Feedback from the members' webinar held on 2 July was incorporated into the process leading up to the covenant.
The Evolution Garden at the Natural History Museum in London
Anyone who loves dinosaurs is bound to be thrilled by the Natural History Museum in London. The venerable, almost cathedral-like building houses a wealth of fossils as well as dinosaur skeletons. The museum demonstrated its innovative spirit by commissioning two new gardens: the Nature Discovery Garden and the Evolution Garden.
Urgent call for better water restrictions for the UK’s green sector
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) are calling on the UK government to adjust the water restrictions. In a joint letter to Minister Emma Hardy, they warn that the current measures – such as South East Water’s temporary ban on water use following the heatwave – are causing unnecessary harm to businesses in the green sector. This sector, which represents 3,800 businesses, plays a crucial role in combating climate change through urban greening, flood prevention and heat resilience.
Boomkwekerij Maarten van Overbeek continues as Overbeek Bomen
As of 6 July, Boomkwekerij Maarten van Overbeek will continue under the name Overbeek Bomen. According to the company, the new name better reflects the development the organisation has undergone in recent years.
National crisis exercise on quarantine organisms
What is the Japanese beetle is found somewhere… how can a crisis be averted? On Friday 19 June, this fictional scenario was practiced with entrepreneurs, representatives of industry organisations and governmental authorities.
“We Love Conifers” launches its first consumer campaign with a Tuscan theme
Twelve conifer growers have joined forces to reposition the conifer as the essential plant for modern, climate-resilient gardens and public spaces. The initiative offers a solution to increasing urbanisation and the growing demand for sustainable, year-round greenery.
Garden sector continues to grow: Italian DIY market embraces greenery, wellbeing and innovation
The garden industry within Italian DIY superstores remains one of the most dynamic and forward-looking segments of the market. In the first quarter of 2026, the category achieved a turnover of €130.6 million, representing growth of 8.3% compared to the same period a year earlier. This confirms the garden industry’s role as a strategic growth driver within the DIY industry, at a time when other segments are under pressure. This is reported by the Italian trade fair Bricoday, to be held at Fiera Milano–Rho on 23–24 September 2026, based on Nielsen Q measurements.
Soil resilience: where do we stand now?
On 28 May 2026, the Royal Dutch Phytopathological Society (KNPV) held a well-attended meeting on the theme of soil resilience. Over 150 professionals and students in the field of plant health took part. Soil resilience plays a major role in plant health. The soil and soil life of a particular plot largely determine whether a plant growing there is more likely to fall ill or, conversely, is more resilient to certain pathogens. A system comparable to the functioning of the gut microbiome in humans.
Priorities for the horticultural industry in France
Global trade in ornamental plants is characterised by stark contrasts between dynamic exporting regions and major import markets facing economic pressures. By 2026, the European ornamental plant industry will be operating in a paradoxical context: public demand for plants remains strong, but at the same time businesses must contend with rising energy and cultivation costs, labour shortages, regulation, climate change and rapidly changing customer expectations.
Fourth Generation Have Taken Over Solgården
At the ornamental plant company Solgården in southern Sweden, a generational transition was officially completed in January. The new owners have been active within the company for many years and will continue to build on the strong brand that Solgården has become since its founding in 1958.
Jobba Grönt Has Increased Interest in the Green Industry
In 2025, the Swedish farmers' organizations LRF and Gröna Arbetsgivare celebrated the 10th anniversary of their initiative Jobba Grönt, but the project continues in order to attract more people to work in the green industries by highlighting the opportunities for meaningful jobs with sustainability in focus. Since the start, young people's attitudes have changed in a positive direction.
Italian National Day of Mediterranean Horticulture returns
One of the most important events in the Italian horticultural sector is returning: the National Day of Mediterranean Horticulture. This event is organised by the export organisation ANVE in collaboration with Vivai Capitanio and is scheduled for Saturday 30 May 2026 in Monopoli (BA).
‘Young plants need to become predictable’
The cultivation of young plants is slowly shifting from field plots to container fields. While open field cultivation was the standard for many years, increasingly more tree nurseries are experimenting with plugs, trays and container cultivation. Not because open field cultivation is suddenly disappearing, but because the demands for uniformity, delivery reliability and mechanical processing are increasing rapidly. Boomkwekerij De Weimer in Zundert is one of the companies right in the middle of this development.
Climate Trees and Urban Street Planting: Importance of Locally and Regionally Adapted Climate-resilient Selections in Europe
Urban trees are essential elements of modern cities, providing shade, cooling, air purification, noise reduction and water management. Street trees are no longer seen as purely decorative elements, but as functional green infrastructure. In the context of accelerating climate change, their overall public health role has become even more critical, particularly in densely built environments where heat stress and drought conditions are intensifying year after year.
GREEN IS LIFE 2026 chooses “THE HEART OF THE GREEN SECTOR” as its slogan
The 33rd edition of the Green is Life trade fair in Warsaw has now become a key meeting point for the tree nursery sector. “The slogan ‘THE HEART OF THE GREEN SECTOR’ is more than just a phrase — it perfectly captures what the trade fair stands for today: a place where key market processes converge, with plants as the starting point and the foundation for every investment in greenery. In a time of growing environmental challenges, the role of plants and responsible decision-making in green investments is becoming increasingly important,” says director Joanna Filipczak, “We see the growing importance of greenery — at its core are always plants and well-considered decisions regarding their selection. The Polish Growers’ Association understands this well and is responding with concrete action.”
Heat, Pests and the End of Hungary’s Thuja Era
Emerald Green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) defined Hungarian suburban gardening. Dense, narrow, evergreen and affordable conifer became the standard choice for privacy hedges around family homes and residential developments. At its peak, climate change has formed thuja production, a major part of nursery business model for many Hungarian ornamental nurseries. For today, however the past dominance, Emerald Green arborvitae has almost disappeared from the Hungarian gardens.
'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.