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.

Myplant & Garden Middle East The first Italian B2B green industry trade fair in Dubai

The leading Italian green industry trade fair Myplant & Garden has expanded and strengthened its international presence with the official presentation of Myplant & Garden Middle East, the first Italian B2B green industry trade fair in Dubai and the only event dedicated to the ornamental green industry in the Middle East. This trade fair will be held from 15-17 November 2025 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Business Centre Treeport named Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands 2024

On Thursday 7 November, Business Centre Treeport (BCT) in Zundert was awarded the prestigious title Greenest Business Park in the Netherlands 2024. The announcement was made during the Day of Economic Affairs (Dag van Economische Zaken), organised by the Stichting CLOK. The event brought together professionals for inspiring knowledge sessions, networking discussions, and this special election.

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.

Stichting EPS supports innovative projects in the tree nursery industry with financial contributions

The Stichting European Plant Support (EPS), which has long been committed to promoting progress within the tree nursery industry, has once again demonstrated its support for important initiatives. During the 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus in 2024, EPS selected two innovative submissions for financial support, further stimulating the industry in the areas of education, knowledge, and sustainability.

GrootGroenPlus Trade Fair 2024: more trade fair, more participants, more visitors, and a more international character!

From 2 - 4 October 2024, the 34th edition of the GrootGroenPlus trade fair took place, achieving remarkable results and showcasing exciting developments once again. The fair featured three routes, 1.4 kilometres of walking paths, and 280 participants, with an increase in total square meters of trade fair space. Despite the larger area, the waiting list was longer than ever, though further expansion was not possible this year. Group participations from various regions and collaborations based on shared innovations contributed to an even more diverse pool of participants. The outdoor trade fair area continued its steady growth as well.

GrootGroenPlus welcomes around 140 students and pupils

Around 140 students and pupils visited the trade fair GrootGroenPlus, held from 2 to 4 October 2024.

Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs (ZGIP) goes to Boomkwekerij Dictus-Hereijgers (B123)

On Wednesday 2 October 2024, the jury from the Zundert municipality was present to decide the winner of the Zunderts Groen Imago Prijs. The jury included alderman Ralph Bogers, Ton van Beek, Layla Eve Claase, Tijmen Dekkers, Jacqueline Sprenkels, Isabelle Cordier, and Reg Nelemans.

Roelands Tree Nurseries BV (B019) wins the Jac. Lodders Award

On the morning of Wednesday 2 October 2024, the jury made its rounds at trade fair GrootGroenPlus to select the winners of the Jan van Dongen Award and the Jac. Lodders Award. The jury, consisting of Corné de Vooght, Marc Lodders, Corné Oostvogels, Diantha Slingerland, Jac van Nijnatten, Andreas Henk, Frank Nooijens, and Luuk Roozeboom, reviewed and evaluated all the stands along the three routes.

GreenGrandPrix judges issues 10 classifications

In 2024, a total of 28 plants were submitted for the GreenGrandPrix. The jury evaluated the plants in the stands of the participants, leading to engaging dialogues and sometimes lively discussions. Ultimately, the jury issued 10 classifications: 4 A's, 4 B's, and 2 C's.

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.

Automated cultivation system facilitates grower from A to Z

TTS Transplanting Services and OptiPlug are jointly showcasing a complete concept at GrootGroenPlus. A key part of this is a new fully automated planting machine from TTS, along with matching trays that can be filled with OptiPlug's paperpots. Other companies like Van der Avoird Trayplant and Van Schaik Rack Solutions are also involved in this collaboration. This way, growers can be fully supported with an automated cultivation system.

Traycon installs container fields with smart solutions

Traycon Projecten has already made a name for itself with the installation of container and tray fields. Using GPS technology, the specialised company from Sprundel precisely and efficiently carries out cultivation floor projects. For this, Traycon has its own extensive GPS-controlled fleet of machinery at its disposal. No-nonsense and no fuss, that's an important motto for the company's working method and customer approach. Director-owner Antoon Vissers of Traycon highlights the activities and latest developments of his company.

TH Machines builds innovative machines for pot nursery

TH Machines builds machines for horticulture and tree nurseries, mainly focused on cultivation in pots. The company started with the production of unique spacing forks, which are patented. With these, TH Machines, which is only about three years old, was already present at GrootGroenPlus in 2023. However, the company in Zundert is expanding its range of machines and solutions. Some of them will be showcased in October.

Remarkably wide range of cuttings at Weber

Weber Stekcultures has been in business for almost thirty years. In 2022, Raymond Weber and his partner Marleen Weber-Aasman took over the company. At GrootGroenPlus, both existing and new customers know where to find the company due to its wide assortment, licensed varieties, and quality. "You'll find virtually no weeds in our cuttings."

The power of the collective

One of the participants at trade fair GrootGroenPlus trade is the Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert e.o. U.A. (Treeport), which consists of approximately 180 tree growers from the wider region. Treeport also actively collaborates with alliance partners, including the Brabantse Delta water board. Manager David Bömer says: "We engage in discussions with a positive, constructive attitude."

GGP, an appreciated and complete image!

On Wednesday 2 October, trade fair GrootGroenPlus will open its doors. For many companies, organisations, governments, and institutions in and around the tree cultivation industry, it’s an event to look forward to. For three days, participants and visitors from all over the world come together to showcase, view, and, most importantly, discuss products. This leads to many connections and transactions.

In the picture during GrootGroenPlus

The 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus is just around the corner. For the second time, it will be held at the Business Centre Treeport site. The number of registrations is so high that the fair has decided to expand the trade fair floor. As always, there is a theme this year: In the pictureL. Erik Bastiaensen is a member of the board of GrootGroenPlus and he will give us an insight into the lead-up to the event.

Technology in the genes

One of the regulars at trade fair GrootGroenPlus is Elco Machinebouw; and the same goes for the upcoming edition. Outdoors, several machines will be showcased, mainly for plant harvesting and weed control, as well as for soil cultivation and crop care. But Sven and Niek Elst also have a story to tell. Plenty of reasons to visit the company's stand at the trade fair.

Sustainability and innovation in trays and pots: Modiform remains a leader

Sustainability and innovation are the two key words you can easily associate with Modiform. This specialist in cultivation, transport, and packaging systems proudly showcases its capabilities again at trade fair GrootGroenPlus. The latest developments in Thomsen Pot containers, propagation, and transport trays will be highlighted. Special attention will be given to the unique 1933 tree tray, which was developed in collaboration with Boomkwekerij Anton Buitenhuis.

DvO Engineering: specialist in mechanical weed control for tree nurseries

DvO Engineering is a relatively young company with extensive experience in the tree nursery industry. The machine manufacturer, based in Maashees, focuses mainly on mechanical weed control for tree nurseries. Several smart hoeing machines have already been introduced to the market, with the latest highlight being a unique hoe-mower combination that can operate at high speeds.

Cooling without worries

Located at Business Centre Treeport, on the border with Belgium, the Treehub features a state-of-the-art cold storage facility. BCT Treehub Cold Store BV specialises in cooling often delicate products, such as those from the tree nursery industry. The cold store was built with the tree nursery industry as its primary target audience and will present itself as such during trade fair GrootGroenPlus. Here, participants and visitors learn more about the extensive services offered by the cold store. source: Heidi Peeters

"We can fulfil any order list completely"

Huverba, located in the heart of Tree Centre Opheusden, positions itself as a total supplier of trees and plants. And that’s no exaggeration, as the nursery can supply almost anything the customer requests, anywhere in Europe. This extensive offering is Huverba’s great strength, and it will be central to their presence at GrootGroenPlus. Huverba draws from its own stock of field-grown and container plants, as well as from a large network of green suppliers.

The rooted cuttings of Heco Young Plants

Paul de Jong is continuing the nursery that his father started 42 years ago. The extensive range of rooted cuttings, including several new species, will be showcased to the public during GrootGroenPlus.

ODV Techniek continues to innovate with the next generation weeding machine

Mechanical weed control is on the rise as the use of herbicides is increasingly restricted. One of the leading alternatives is the Weed Profi by ODV Techniek. This modular weeding machine is continuously being developed and improved, with input from growers playing a crucial role. Tree nursery Growera and Bressers Laanbomen are already satisfied users of the Weed Profi and they are happy to share their positive experiences with its fine-tuning.

Green-One brightens up GrootGroenPlus

As a large tree nursery in the region, Green-One cannot be missing from trade fair GrootGroenPlus. The growers also believe that the green trade fair could use a bit more colour. Plenty of reasons to bring a selection of the most beautifully flowering perennials from their range. In C2-containers, since that is what the company is known for.

BvE Plantgoed: a tree nursery with its own signature

He doesn't really want to share the details of his approach, but it’s clear that it’s working. Bert van Exsel of BvE Plantgoed took over a successful tree nursery two years ago and has significantly expanded the range in a short period of time. The results are impressive, and they can be seen at GrootGroenPlus.

Low-volume spreading technology: a chance for the future

Pioneers lead the way in showing how things can be done differently. Adriaan van de Ven from Agricult is one such pioneer in sustainable agriculture. His focus on the droplet, the core element of spraying and misting, has brought tree nurseries and horticultural companies significant savings in crop protection products, water, and time for years. With his innovations in low-volume spreading technology, the company has been successful both domestically and internationally. This success also presents Van de Ven with a great opportunity for a potential partner. Who’s ready to take the plunge?

New owner, new name, same trusted quality

At the start of this year, Stijn van der Loo took over the family business from his parents. In line with the future and the international nature of the cutting company in Biezenmortel, he changed the name to Young Plants Holland. As the name suggests, the company produces rooted cuttings for the tree nursery industry—a tradition they have upheld for 40 years. This year, Van der Loo will present both his products and the new name (which isn’t entirely new) at GrootGroenPlus.

Rabobank shows commitment to tree nursery industry at GrootGroenPlus: "The future for this industry is promising"

Rabobank has been a participant and partner of GrootGroenPlus from day one. As the main sponsor, the bank plays a prominent role at the international tree nursery trade fair. A conversation with Rabobank account managers John Duijzer and René Dekkers about the trade fair's importance and the challenges within the industry.

Terrazza: leader in cleaning solutions for growers

Terrazza is actively tapping into new markets. This Belgian specialist in cleaning and weed removal solutions is supporting that with ingenious new products that can be found at GrootGroenPlus in Zundert. Two standout products at the booth are the Geotex Omni Pro and the brand-new Nursery Eco Cleaner. These solutions address the need for user-friendly, sustainable, and ecological cleaning methods for growers. Director Dany Mestdag proudly explains the ins and outs.

"Our strength is in labour-intensive cultivation"

Paul Vergeer of the eponymous tree nursery deliberately opts for labour-intensive cultivation and an extensive assortment. During GrootGroenPlus, he will showcase as much as possible, including Hydrangea paniculata ‘Skyfall’ on stem. Nearly the entire assortment consists of ornamental shrubs on stem.

Hein Verpaalen: "There is a great connection between GrootGroenPlus and our company"

Cornus ‘Nightfall’ is a new shrub in the assortment of Boomkwekerij Verpaalen. The company, co-owned by Hein Verpaalen is presenting ‘Nightfall’ at GrootGroenPlus. This trade fair is the ideal start of the delivery season for Boomkwekerij Verpaalen.

From C5 to 1.000-litre pot

Conifers as far as the eye can see. In all kinds of shapes and shades, and especially in various sizes. In Scandinavia and around twenty other countries, Kwekerij De Bloemenkampen is renowned for its wide assortment, numerous pot sizes, and shaped trees. From Nunspeet, the growers will bring some of their selections to trade fair GrootGroenPlus.

Ornamental shrubs in cultivation trays

Boomkwekerij M.G. de Boer cv will be present again at this year's edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, to promote their product. The company grows a wide range of ornamental shrubs in cultivation trays.

The Fielddresser XL is ideal for cultivating young plant stock.

Michel Jongenelen is a specialist in fertiliser dosing and has a mechanical solution for every specific situation in the tree nursery industry. At trade fair GrootGroenPlus, the entrepreneur will showcase his most significant achievement: the Topdresser XL. However, Jongenelen also has other innovations that optimise fertiliser application in open soil, pots, cutting trays, and seed trays. source: Ralf Pijnenburg

Join the GreenGrandPrix!

The 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus offers a unique opportunity to participate in the GreenGrandPrix this year.

Are you capturing the right shots?

A theme like In The Picture wouldn’t be complete without a great photo competition!

High influx of participants at GrootGroenPlus requires some creative planning

Although it was not entirely unexpected, the huge influx of participants for the 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus came very rapidly. By mid-June, the number of registrations was already higher than in previous years, so we promptly communicated this. We also personally updated regular participants about the limited number of available spots, and as early as 22 June, we had to start placing registrations on hold, due to limited space.

Renzo Gerritsen selected for photography and film at GrootGroenPlus 2024

During the 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, Renzo Gerritsen from RG Fotografie will take care of all photography and videography. Along with his team , he will make sure that all participants are in the picture, in line with the theme. Renzo Gerritsen is mainly known for the controversial reports he is making, and the book ‘Gezeik in Amsterdam’ (Taking a Piss in Amsterdam), in which he discusses a particular bit of the history of Amsterdam.

Do you want direct access to over 18,000 professionals in the green industry?

What if it would be possible to gain access to over 18,000 professionals in the green industry, in one go? To bring your company to the attention of buyers from retail organisations and garden centres, growers, traders, and importers, both domestically and internationally. And not just once, but consistently. In an attractive way. What would that do for your business?

GreenGrandPrix puts all plants in the picture

The GreenGrandPrix has been a fixed program item of trade fair GrootGroenPlus for years now. During the GreenGrandPrix, prizewinning plants will be put in the spotlight once again. During the 34th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, which will be held from 2-4 October in Zundert, there will be a very special edition of the GreenGrandPrix. This year, all participants of the trade fair can participate in the GreenGrandPrix. Which will - pursuant the theme - ensure that many more green products will be in the picture.

Climate Changes and Economy – Key Topics in the Swedish Nursery Stock Industry

How will Sweden's elongated country be affected by climate change, what will the economic downturn lead to, and how do we generate interest among the youth to invest in the nursery stock industry? These are the hottest topics in the country right now.

Colours in the tree nursery: why certain colours do not exist in plants

Anyone who takes a look at an average tree nursery can’t miss the overwhelming presence of green. Green is the signature colour of the nursery stock industry. It’s no coincidence that the largest industry-specific trade fair is called GrootGROENPlus (‘Groen’ being Dutch for GREEN). But why is that? Why is green the predominant colour found in nature? Why can’t we brighten up our gardens with a beautiful blue Ginkgo? And what possibilities do we have for creating beautiful, colourful plants? We delved into these questions.

Bee mortality rate remains high, but not due to neonics

This past winter, the mortality rate among honeybees was again significant. During the initial inspections of beehives, beekeepers found that many colonies had died or were severely weakened. There are various causes for this, and further research is certainly needed. However, it is already clear that the high bee mortality rate this time is not caused by neonics. But neonics are not the only enemies bees face. Several other factors can weaken a bee colony. Let’s explore some of these causes.

Stichting EPS is looking for more innovative ideas

The Stichting EPS (European Plant Support) is deeply committed to advancing the tree nursery industry. This dedication often translates into providing financial support for significant initiatives. EPS believes that more can be undertaken to propel the industry forward. As such, a second round is being announced for 2024. EPS is currently seeking innovative ideas for the tree nursery industry, with the aim of providing financial contributions to worthy projects.

Pot and container cultivation: indispensible in the nursery stock industry

In the past, nursery crops were always grown in open grounds. However, when pot and container cultivation began to take off in the Netherlands in the late 1970s, it opened up entirely new possibilities. For example, plants grown in pots or containers do not have a specific planting season and can be planted year-round, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.