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

The organising committee had compiled a list fifteen of the most popular plants in garden centres. The voting form listed the names along with an image. The options included Allium, Rose, Photinia, Salvia, Verbena, Fountain Grass, Lavender, Ivy, Portuguese Laurel, Butterfly Bush, Hosta, Hydrangea, Star Jasmine, Lesser Periwinkle and Cranesbill.

Each pupil was allowed to colour in one circle red during a secret ballot, using an official voting form. That tastes can differ greatly became clear from the results. After opening the ballot boxes and counting the votes, Cranesbill finished in third place. Second place went to the Rose. But the glorious winner was Lavender, with a total of 23 votes. A plant with colour and fragrance that contributes to biodiversity.

As a thank you for their contribution, all children received an educational Treeport card game and will soon receive a small Lavender plant, while the teachers will receive a larger one. Given the enthusiasm of the children for this initiative, these plants will undoubtedly find a nice place!

Boomstemdag (Tree Voting Day) was an alternative initiative by the organising committee for the annual celebration of Boomfeestdag (National Tree Planting Day). The committee includes: trade fair GrootGroenPlus, Stichting European Plant Support, Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert and Treeport BCT Partners BV. Partners of the celebration are Rabobank De Zuidelijke Baronie and Stichting Nationale Viering Boomfeestdag.