Living Creations: six generations crafting Hydrangea excellence
As of August 1st, 2025, Living Creations, led by Alex Schoemaker, becomes a proud partner of GGP.news. Located in Boskoop—the heart of Dutch nursery culture—this sixth-generation family business focuses exclusively on Hydrangea paniculata under the Living Creations® brand, delivering global excellence in breeding and young plants.
GROWERS' PRIDE: Hydrangea arborescens ‘First Editions® FlowerWOW’
The name says it all: ‘FlowerWOW’ makes an impression. This compact Hydrangea arborescens combines strong growth with abundant flowering. As part of the international First Editions® program, it is supplied in a distinctive P14 pot – ideal for retail. But the variety also offers advantages in production. Growers and buyers alike benefit from its uniform structure, strong genetics, and clear branding.
GGP.News supports promotion of green through trade fair GrootGroenPlus 2025
From 1 – 3 October 2025, trade fair GrootGroenPlus will be hosted once again in the municipality of Zundert. This event continues to be highly valued by both participants and visitors, as evidenced by the many registrations already received. For participants, only waiting lists spots remain available.
GGP 2025 bigger than ever and fully booked
Earlier this year, it became clear that the interest in GGP 2025 was overwhelming. Registrations poured in at record speed, and regular participants were contacted personally several times, to alert them to the rapid pace at which the trade fair was filling up.
Hoogenraad Nurseries: global partner in shrubs and perennials
As of July 1st, 2025, Hoogenraad Nurseries is a proud partner of GGP.news. This Dutch family-run nursery has been active for over sixty years and has grown into an internationally recognized supplier of shrubs and perennials. With an impressive range and streamlined logistics, Hoogenraad supplies customers all over the world.
WHY THE ENGINE ROOM IS GOING TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: The strategic value of mechanisation
The modern tree nursery faces a number of challenges. The availability of labour is decreasing, cost pressures are rising, and market demands are increasing. To make their business future-proof, growers need to organise their processes more efficiently. Mechanisation plays a key role in this. The machine room, which consists of processing, potting, and transport lines, is increasingly becoming the heart of the tree nursery.
NL Plants joins GGP.news as a partner: specialist in forest and hedge plants with deep roots in the sector
GGP.news proudly welcomes NL Plants from Wernhout as a new partner. Specialised in the cultivation and supply of forest and hedge plants, the company operates on more than 120 hectares and employs around 35 people. It supplies both bare-root and container-grown plants across Europe, with a strong focus on sustainable and future-oriented cultivation methods.
GROWERS MUST ADAPT THEIR ASSORTMENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Growing is not only for today and tomorrow; a good grower is already thinking about the future. Climate change, changing consumer demand, and stricter regulations determine which tree species are future-proof. Which species will thrive and which will disappear? Which tree species will dominate in the next 20 years? How can growers prepare for the changing market?
Plant Market pursues a different course for now!
In 2021, Treeport BCT Partners BV and Plant Market Vastgoed BV reached an agreement regarding the purchase and sale of a plot on the BCT site. Plant Market's objective was to establish a dedicated distribution centre at this location, prompted by the company’s ongoing growth and the need for additional square metres.
FROM TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION TO DATA-DRIVEN INNOVATION: Mabo Boomkwekerijen shows how technology transforms the nursery stock industry
The nursery stock industry is in the middle of a digital revolution. Where experience and craftsmanship used to be the most important pillars, now, data and technology are becoming increasingly more important. Precision agriculture, using sensors, drones, and advanced software, makes it possible to make decisions on irrigation, fertilisation, and crop protection per tree or plot. These developments do not only promise more efficiency, but also a more sustainable cultivation. The KwekersBode decided to look into it: what is currently being developed when it comes to precision agriculture, and where can we see this in practice?
FUTUREPROOF CULTIVATION IN THE NURSERY STOCK INDUSTRY: ESSENTIAL FOR PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT AND MARKET
The nursery stock industry in the Netherlands is moving fast. Increasingly more growers are focusing on sustainable growing: a way of production that is not only economically viable but also takes into account the environment, biodiversity, and changing climatic conditions. This approach is crucial because the industry faces major challenges. Think of stricter environmental regulations, decreasing availability of plant protection products, and a changing climate with more extreme weather conditions.
Planting Material: Legal Risks and Market Opportunities
While the first part of this article focused on quality, origin, and the true cost of young planting material, we now turn to another crucial aspect: legal protection and market opportunities.
BIODIVERSITY IN SCANDINAVIA
In Scandinavian countries, the cultivation of trees, shrubs, conifers, perennials, and rose bushes play a crucial role in maintaining natural landscapes and biodiversity. The region is known for its unique balance between cold winters and mild summers, which made native plant species adjust to challenging circumstances. Thanks to age-old traditions in forestry and agriculture, growers continue to experiment with new cultivation methods.
The True Cost of Cheap Plant Material
The import of young plant material from countries such as Poland, Italy, and Spain is rapidly increasing. Prices are low, and the supply is plentiful. For growers under pressure from rising costs, this may seem appealing. But what exactly are you buying for a lower price? And what risks are involved in terms of varietal purity, delivery reliability, legal protection, and marketability? Cheap plant material is not necessarily bad – but it requires knowledge, control, and strategic insight. Those who focus solely on the purchase price may later face plant loss, certification issues, or buyers who reject the material.
GREAT FUTURE PERSPECTIVES FOR PERENNIAL CULTIVATION
The Netherlands has a strong position in the cultivation of perennials, thanks to its fertile soil, advanced cultivation techniques, and a well-organised trade infrastructure. The industry contributes to ornamental horticulture, which is an important part of Dutch agricultural exports.
New generation takes over: Wernhout tree nursery rebranded as De Weimer
As of 1 July, Boomkwekerij Leenaerts-Halters & Zn. will officially be in the hands of Corné Leenaerts and his wife Cindy. This marks the continuation of the family business by the next generation, located in the hamlet of De Weimer. Fittingly, the nursery will also adopt a new name: Boomkwekerij De Weimer.
Leading genetics, proven brands and 75 years of grower support
Kordes Jungpflanzen, based in Bilsen, Germany, celebrates 75 years of innovation and grower dedication. As one of Europe’s top suppliers of woody young plants, the company is exhibiting at GrootGroenPlus for the first time this year.
Young plants from Italy – with a personal touch
Vivai Guagno, based in Santa Giustina in Colle (Italy), has been producing young plants and ornamental varieties since 1985. Now led by the second generation, the nursery is known for its authentic in-house production and strong personal contact with customers. Gloria Guagno, sales manager and young plant specialist, will represent the company during their second participation at GrootGroenPlus.
Ghelardeschi Piante: Italian nursery rooted in family and own production
Nestled in the heart of Italy’s renowned nursery region of Pistoia, **Ghelardeschi Piante** has been growing outdoor ornamental plants since the 1960s. Now run by the third generation – represented by Gabriele Ghelardeschi – the company is exhibiting at GrootGroenPlus for the first time.
Zorn Baumschulen: Strong fruit trees and ornamental shrubs from Northern Germany
Zorn Baumschulen, based in Tangstedt near Hamburg, has been growing a wide and deep assortment of fruit trees and high-quality ornamental shrubs since 1981. With strong lines in flowering crabapples, ornamental cherries and fruit varieties, they are well-known for supplying vigorous, robust plants for the solitary and landscape market.
Baumschule Hachmann: 2000 premium varieties from Northern Germany
Based in Barmstedt, Germany, Baumschule Hachmann has been a trusted name in ornamental woody plants since 1929. The nursery offers more than 2000 varieties, including Rhododendrons, Japanese maples, Hamamelis, Cornus, heathers, deciduous shrubs and conifers – all grown in robust quality for the European green retail market.
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.