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.
Tree Nursery Technology Day 2025: practice, innovation and interaction
ZUNDERT – Anyone who visited Zundert on Thursday afternoon, June 26, saw firsthand how far tree nursery technology has come.
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.
In the spotlight: Plant Discovery at GrootGroenPlus 2025
Plant Discovery from Bree, Belgium, will exhibit at GrootGroenPlus for the first time in 2025. The company, led by John Casters, specializes in Italian-origin plants grown and finished in Belgium – mainly multi-stem trees and large container plants. “We aim to offer something different from what everyone else is growing,” says Casters.
In the spotlight: Plantsoen at GGP 2025
Plantsoen from Hamont-Achel, Belgian Limburg, is one of the youngest participants at Groot Groen Plus 2025. Since its establishment in 2021, the company grew in a short time into a serious player in perennials and ornamental grasses. With a strong focus on its own cutting production and genetic quality, Plantsoen supplies wholesalers, fellow growers and larger garden centres.
In the Spotlight: Plantura at GGP 2025
Plantura, based in Bocholt, Belgian Limburg, will make its debut at GrootGroenPlus in October 2025. With an impressive range of container plants, ground covers, shrubs, multi-stemmed trees and native species, the company positions itself as a total supplier for landscape professionals.
In the Spotlight: Boomkwekerij Martijn van de Wouw at GrootGroenPlus 2025
Boomkwekerij Martijn van de Wouw, based in Oirschot, specializes in young avenue trees and an extensive range of fruit trees. At GrootGroenPlus 2025, this relatively young nursery will exhibit for the third time. With a focus on quality, affordability, and accessibility, the company serves professional tree growers, landscapers, and private clients alike.
"Biological control is not a hype, it's a necessity"
An increasing number of tree nurseries are using beneficial insects as an alternative to chemical crop protection. Interest in biological crop protection is growing rapidly, especially now that chemical approvals are being withdrawn, retail and export requirements are rising, and legal pressures are increasing. “We’ve reached a tipping point,” says Hans van de Pas, Key Account Manager at Bioline AgroSciences. “Biological control is no longer just for the pioneers.”
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?
In the Spotlight: Vlemminx Bomen at GrootGroenPlus 2025
Wide assortment, short supply chains, and a focus on quality. Vlemminx Bomen from Oirschot is a familiar name at GrootGroenPlus. In 2025, the nursery led by Joost Vlemminx will exhibit for the eighth time, this year presenting a selection of new, non-standard tree varieties. The business focuses on growing young trees and whips for parks and avenues, supplying growers, cash & carry centers, and trading companies.
In the Spotlight: Moris Plantenkwekerij at GrootGroenPlus 2025
Complete assortment, personal approach, and strong regional ties. Moris Plantenkwekerij from Belgian Limburg will debut at GrootGroenPlus in October 2025. The nursery, led by Stefan Moris, has been active since 1996 and specializes in evergreen shrubs, ground covers, perennials and ornamental grasses. With more than 500 species, the company offers a complete package for wholesalers and garden centers.
Rabobank and GrootGroenPlus strengthen partnership within theme ‘Heart for Green’.
In 2025, Rabobank will once again be a proud partner of the international trade fair GrootGroenPlus, held from 1-3 October in Zundert. Within the overarching theme ‘Heart for Green’, Rabobank will contribute as a committed partner, with its role as the financial heart of the industry clearly visible.
Discovery of invasive flatworm makes Swedish nurseries act
In November 2024, the first case of Obama nungara was discovered in a newly established plantation in Malmö, Sweden. Since then, the industry has worked hard to find ways to discover and counteract the feared invasive species.
GrootGroenPlus puts retail in the spotlight with the Garden Centre Event
The international trade fair GrootGroenPlus is responding to the growing importance of sustainability in the retail sector with special activities during its 35th edition, taking place from 1 to 3 October 2025. The event will provide garden centres, cash & carry businesses, and other green sector specialists with unique insights into current sustainability topics and opportunities to expand their knowledge and networks.
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.
Tree Planting Day (Boomfeestdag) 2025: planting together for the future
On Wednesday 19 March 2025, we came together to celebrate the conclusion of the annual Tree Planting Day season in Zundert. With a programme full of education, sustainability and cooperation, pupils, tree growers and involved organisations made a significant contribution to the greening of the region. Once again, the event was a sequence of meaningful and memorable moments.
‘Heart for green': partnership between GrootGroenPlus and Varb offers additional benefits for participants
Varb and trade fair GrootGroenPlus share a Heart for Green and will continue their successful collaboration in 2025. This means that participants of the 35th edition of the trade fair – taking place from 1 to 3 October in Zundert – can once again showcase their current assortment easily via the digital trade fair platform.
European Plant Support (EPS) foundation supports three innovative projects in the tree nursery industry
The European Plant Support (EPS) foundation has once again awarded financial contributions to innovative projects in the tree nursery industry, as part of its third funding round. During the board meeting of 10 March, it was decided to support three initiatives that contribute to sustainability, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the industry. The projects will be featured at GrootGroenPlus 2025 and they will provide a tangible contribution to the further development of the tree nursery industry.
The power of plants: unique research by ROOTZ for a healthier management of soil, water and air
How can you use plants to improve the quality of the soil, water, and air? Further research into this green technology, also known as phytoremediation, should lead to refinement and expansion of the existing possibilities.
The Valencian nurseries affected by DANA-2024 seem to be largely on ther own for the time being
In Spain, the new year only truly begins after Christmas and the Three Kings have departed. It marks the start of new initiatives, challenges, and opportunities on both a personal and professional level. However, for the Valencian plant nurseries devastated by the dramatic floods at the end of October, 2025 is shaping up to be drastically different. The industry estimates losses at €150 million-€50 million due to the destruction of plants and €100 million from damaged business premises, greenhouses, installations, and production fields. The immense force of the water abruptly ended the 2025 sales season and potentially future campaigns, as many crops have multi-year cycles.
Spring starts with FLORALL
Over seventy ornamental plant and tree nursery companies will present their products at the spring edition of FLORALL on Tuesday 4 March. The focus is on the assortment for the coming spring.
Local celebration of Boomfeestdag returns this year
On Wednesday 19 March 2025, another tree planting event will take place in the municipality of Zundert, building on the local initiative that originated from the Nationale Boomfeestdag. First collectively launched last year, the event promises to be another inspiring day dedicated to raising awareness about greenery, sustainability, and biodiversity. With 150 children, engaging activities, and the planting of new trees at the Business Centre Treeport (BCT), it is set to make a lasting impact.
Theme GrootGroenPlus 2025: Heart for green
From 1 to 3 October 2025, the 35th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus will take place. This year’s theme, ‘Heart for Green’, highlights the central role of greenery not only in our industry but far beyond. Green is at the core of the product range, the passion of participants, visitors, guests, and employees. Everyone involved contributes with a green heart to building a sustainable future. The theme of this year’s trade fair reflects the commitment to quality, collaboration, and innovation that has made GrootGroenPlus a leading event in the industry for 35 years.
Myplant & Garden – International Green Expo 55.000 sqm dedicated to horticulture
The International Green Expo (Fiera Milano Rho, February 19-21, 2025 will be an even bigger edition, with 55,000 sqm (+5,000 sqm) spread across four halls: an impressive space covering 5.5 hectares, equivalent to eight football fields or 211 tennis courts. More than 800 exhibiting brands (22% from abroad, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, France, and Spain, with floral companies from Ecuador and Kenya attending for the first time), dozens of partner associations, 200 buyer delegations, and over 125 accredited foreign companies from 45 strategic countries across five continents. Additionally, there will be 70 conferences and special initiatives and 150 journalists already accredited. These are the initial figures for the event, just days before it opens.
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.
The water board plays an important part
“As a water board, we manage the water quality and the quantity of rainwater in the region. This applies to our entire area in West Brabant, from Tilburg to Bergen op Zoom and from Moerdijk to the Belgian border, including Zundert,” says Angelien Hagenaars, a member of the executive board of Waterschap Brabantse Delta and a resident of the region herself.
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.
Less chemicals, but costs remain a challenge GSFs
With the changing climate, the benefits of working with growing support facilities (GSFs) are increasingly coming under scrutiny. While discussions about biodiversity, costs, legislation, and permitting continue, it appears that GSFs are becoming indispensable for growers. Marc Lodders (Lodders Boomkwekerijen), Corné Leenaerts (Boomkwekerij Leenaerts-Halters & Zn), and Marco Braspenning (Braspenning & Co) discuss the current state of affairs.
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.
A brave ecological experiment alongside the Danube in Hungary
Pünkösdfürdő Park is part of a comprehensive ecological experiment with a number of innovative solutions. The area used to be a grassland without any woody vegetation, but thanks to the work of the designers and landscapers, a real biodiverse recreational paradise has been created here. It is worth visiting the park every two weeks for its’ varying vegetation.
A rejuvenating cure for Chaplin Park in Switzerland
When public expectations meet the demands of biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change, the renovation of a park becomes a gift to its users. Let's take a look at an exemplary project in Corsier, Switzerland. The Charlie Chaplin Park has just been renovated and once again offers spectacular views over Lake Geneva. A veritable lung of greenery for the inhabitants of Corsier-sur-Vevey, this haven of peace allows all generations to enjoy a respectfully redesigned world.
Trade fair Green is Life has a lot to offer
The international GREEN IS LIFE trade fair presents garden plants, techniques and technologies for the production of plants and green areas, products and services for horticulture, garden and urban greenery equipment, as well as landscape architecture including cut and potted flowers.
New pavillion and more innovations at Myplant & Garden 2025
The ninth edition of Italy's premier international event for green professionals will open its doors at Fiera Milano Rho from February 19 to 21, 2025. This essential gathering for companies, operators, and associations in landscaping, horticulture, gardening, and sportsgrounds offers a unique and unparalleled showcase of proposals, solutions, products, and services for the entire green industry.
Endless Green Diversity at IPM ESSEN 2025
From January 28 to 31, 2025, over 1,400 exhibitors from around fifty countries will present their latest products, services and innovations in the fields of plants, technology, floral design and garden design. IPM ESSEN offers the international connoisseur audience not only a comprehensive overview but also numerous interesting program highlights that invite exchange, discovery and networking.Our trade visitors can look forward to an inspiring order and trend platform. The focus is mainly on climate-resistant plants, energy-efficient and resource-saving production solutions and attractive sales and presentation concepts,” said Andrea Hölker, project manager of IPM ESSEN. “We are looking forward to four special days of trade fairs.” The relevant topics will be rounded out with lectures, special presentations and value-added tours. IPM ESSEN takes up entire fairgrounds. The enthusiasm from the industry is great: also in 2025, IPM ESSEN will fill Halls 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and the Galeria. Halls 1, 1A, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and Galeria): are dedicated to nursery plants and young plants, flowering potted plants, colorful cut flowers and robust perennials. The IPM ESSEN presents a unique international plant show. For the first time, the spring edition of the Landgard-Ordertage will take place in Hall 1A. Also new is the Horticultural Forum in Hall 2 as a central meeting point for producer horticulture. Exhibitors will bring the public the latest news about the future, production and industry in the “young plants” sector in practical lectures and panel discussions. The forum also serves as a starting point for guided tours that offer enlightening insights into the world of young plants and new trends. In Hall 7, tree nurseries from North Rhine-Westphalia will present the
Nominations for Show Your Colours Award IPM 2025 announced
Ten plants have been nominated for the Show Your Colours Award IPM 2025. All exhibitors of IPM with woody plants and perennials could submit plants or plant concepts for this award. Ten plants/plant concepts were eventually nominated from the entries. The Show Your Colours Award will be presented on Thursday 30 January 2025 at 15:00 in the BIZZ Holland stand, hall 8, stand number 8A30-4.
Eight Flemish innovations at the IPM 2025
Flanders' presence at the IPM-fair will focus on typical Flemish products such as azaleas, rhododendrons, flowering houseplants, Flemish laurel and chrysanthemums as well as shrubs, young plants, bedding plants and nursery stock products. The flemish exhibitors also have eight new products on show: Deroose Plants, Hall 2 – Booth B25.8 presents Agave ‘Peace Revolution’, Alocasia ‘Serendipity Pink Variegata’, Guzmania ‘Chouette’, Nepenthes ‘Midnight’, Tillandsia ‘Mizuki‘. www.derooseplants.com Leybaert, Hall 2 – Booth B25.6 expands its range with die PWR plant Maximus and PWR plant Hercules. www.leybaert.be Rudy Raes Bloemzaden, Hall 2 - Booth B25.5 presents Primula acaulis ‘Flamenco Mix’.
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.
Natural Surroundings for Enriched Play in Sweden
In the Swedish city of Örebro, the municipality is exploring innovative approaches to developing both new and existing park areas. Their vision centers on creating spaces with a diverse range of plant materials, fostering natural environments that are both rich and engaging for children's play. Below, you can gain insight into a few of these park projects.
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.
The Tree Festival is the most fun day of the year
Echten - With the push of a green button, Albert Verlinde (chairman of the National Tree Day Foundation), Inge Nieuwenhuizen (mayor of the municipality of De Wolden) and Sylvo Thijsen (director of Staatsbosbeheer) opened the 67th National Tree Day today at Staatsbosbeheer forestry Ruinen in Echten. During this green holiday, thousands of pupils across the Netherlands stepped out of the classroom and into the residential area or nature to plant trees.
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.
Awarded novelties at Green is Life 2024
At the Polish floriculture trade fair Green is Life, awards were handed out for submitted novelties. The results included two Gold, one Silver and one Bronze award, as well as two honourable mentions. A total of 30 novelties were submitted for assessment.