Italy: "The hard times are behind us, the trend up to 2022 is one of growth"

The Italian gardening industry is on its way up again. This was revealed in a recent study conducted by research institute Euromonitor International for Italian exhibition Myplant & Garden. They forecast a constant growth in the sales up to 2022, reaching the value of 2010 again, which was 3 billion…

Thai flowers meet growing demand in cut orchid niche

The majority of the flowers and plants cultivated in Thailand are mainly destined for the local market. However, when offering them across the border, the interest seems to be high as well. Nicolas of The Amazing Flowers of Victoria, for example, decided to export Thai flowers and plants over a year ago…

Colombian plan to keep narcotics out of flowers

Guarantee safe export of flowers and prevent drug trafficking during high seasons like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. This is the goal of the so-called “Plan Pétalo” that has been launched by the Colombian Anti-narcotics police and Asocolflores (the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters) in 2006.…

"Greenhouse growers want to get rid of Fusarium"

Fusarium causes a lot of headache for greenhouse growers. The fungus ensures that crops such as lettuce, tomato or phalaenopsis become ill or even die. Fusarium can be controlled with plant protection products, but the number of authorized products is shrinking. Time to act! Wageningen University &…

US (FL): New Sansevieria varieties turn heads at TPIE

Today is the last day of the TPIE in Ft. Lauderdale, (FL) USA. In total 400 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services, and one of these exhibitors is Fleurizon. This US based international brokerage firm is presenting many of their products in their assortment, drawing special attention to…

Marketing for the green industry in the digital age

On Tuesday 8 January 2019, Veiling Rhein-Maas organised the eighth consecutive customers and suppliers day. About 450 guests attended the event on the topic ‘Marketing for the green industry in the digital age’ - even more than last year. Review 2018 and outlook 2019 After being welcomed in the foyer of the auction with a…

Different kinds of white LED light induce different plant responses

The market is saturated with LED companies offering “white light” LED products. Many growers associate white LED light with a sunlight or daylight spectrum i.e. a replica of the light provided by the Sun. While it can be so, spectra appearing white to human eyes can differ greatly and thus induce…

US (OH): Automatic sticking machine in action at flower grower

There's no doubt that it's winter outside in central Ohio. But inside the greenhouses at Timbuk farms, they are already getting ready for spring. Timbuk Farms is known for Christmas trees, but it manages to stay busy year-round. Right now, they are one of only two places in Ohio that recruits the seasonal help of…

Rose is in the February Flower Agenda 2019

Roses provide colour, scent and beauty indoors in the month when nature is still only hesitantly getting started. This Valentine’s essential is available in many colours and shapes from a spray rose to a solo star. With new varieties being added every year to enhance arrangements and bouquets.  Credit: Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk  Origin The…

Chinese production of potted mini-rose business is growing

Potted mini-rose is more and more popular in China. Kingpeng established one glass greenhouse for one of the biggest flower import and export group in Kunming, Yunnan province. This greenhouse is mainly used for mini-rose flower growing. The greenhouse park’s total area is 5 hectares and all of them are…

Chinese moon plant dies

Remember that cotton plant that sprouted after a Chinese space mission had put it on the dark side of the moon? It started growing only yesterday , but today it's already dead. It turned out that the night temperatures were just a bit too chilly at 170 degrees Celsius below zero. Prof Xie Gengxin of Chongqing University, who led the design…

US (ND): Blaze destroys building at greenhouse business

A fire in Sheldon destroyed a building at Sheyenne Greenhouse. To help out her parents, who own the business, Amy Schobinger has started a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe . "Less than 36 hours ago, my parents Lee and Judy Schobinger experienced a devastating loss due to an electrical fire at their business Sheyenne Greenhouse…

Plant peptide helps roots to branch out in the right places

How do plants space out their roots? A Japanese research team has identified a peptide and its receptor that help lateral roots to grow with the right spacing. The findings were published on December 20, 2018 in the online edition of Developmental Cell. The team was led by Professor Hidehiro Fukaki (Graduate School of…

Different kinds of white LED light induce different plant responses

The market is saturated with LED companies offering “white light” LED products. Many growers associate white LED light with a sunlight or daylight spectrum i.e. a replica of the light provided by the Sun. While it can be so, spectra appearing white to human eyes can differ greatly and thus induce…

"The facility impressed us with their professionalism and attention to detail"

In December, Pieter van der Lans and Frank Riteco of 2Plant International, along with Brian Kirkland of Concept Plants, visited Innovaplant de Costa Rica S. A., a representation of Kientzle rGmbH & Co KG of Germany.   Pieter said, “What we found was a facility that impressed us with their professionalism and…

Dilution procedure: Determining initial substrate pH

Prior to transplant, growers can determine initial substrate pH by utilizing the 1:2 dilution method. This monitoring procedure determines: 1) the limestone reactivity thereby adjusting substrate pH; 2) if the substrate pH is too low or high; 3) if corrective procedures are required prior to transplant…

"Growers can use less fertiliser but achieve greater results"

Levity CropScience has published its latest research on how nitrogen affects the growth of plants. The research, published in the Journal of Horticulture and Post Harvest Research, utilised Levity’s ‘LimiN’ technology, present in its Lono product line. Carried out by Levity’s R&D team, the research illustrates how…

Sharp drop in power use for Swedish greenhouse flower growers

The transition from fossil fuels to bio-fuels in Swedish greenhouses has gone fast. For the cultivation of ornamental plants and cut flowers in Swedish greenhouses, the use of fossil fuels has dropped from 460,000 megawatt hours to just 32,000 hours in a few years. That's a decrease of more than 90…

"Greenhouse growers want to get rid of Fusarium"

Fusarium causes a lot of headache for greenhouse growers. The fungus ensures that crops such as lettuce, tomato or phalaenopsis become ill or even die. Fusarium can be controlled with plant protection products, but the number of authorized products is shrinking. Time to act! Wageningen University &…

UK: RHS confirms first new garden pest of 2019

The RHS has identified its first new garden pest of 2019 – the unsightly cotton stringy scale (Takahashia Japonica). Found on a magnolia in Berkshire thought to have been imported into the…

Ethiopian producers visit Beekenkamp in the Netherlands

The production location in Ethiopia is an important part of the Beekenkamp Group. The whole process of the young plant material for Deliflor and Beekenkamp Plants starts here. Lemma Megersa – president of Oromo (province where the Beekenkamp Group's production facility is situated), Ethiopia – and Niek Bosmans – agriculture consultant in…

US (IN): Seed grants advance basic plant biology

An innovative seed grant program in its second year is meeting its goal of encouraging collaboration among researchers. Purdue Center for Plant Biology faculty have selected five teams to receive approximately $50,000 each for varied projects aimed at advancing basic plant biology. The award recipients…

US (MS): Blue My Mind evolvulus is Miss. Medallion winner

Many home gardeners look forward to this time of year to browse catalogs in search of great new plants to enjoy in their 2019 landscapes. The group of plants I get excited about each year are the Mississippi Medallion selections. Every year, I promote this group of plants through Southern Gardening so you will look…

CAN (ON): RootSmart field trials show healthier tree establishment

Ontario horticulture researchers continue to demonstrate the impact of RootSmart, a tree propagation tray that uses air pruning to promote healthier root structures in seedlings. A.M.A. Horticulture launched the RootSmart innovation at the Landscape Ontario Congress in 2018. Now one year later, ongoing field trials…

"Plastic-free packaging ticks all the right environmental boxes"

Sirane's award-winning plastic-free Earthpouch could be perfect for companies selling into the horticultural market looking to ‘go green’ with packaging. The Earthpouch – winner of a UK Packaging Award first place and a Green Apple Award – could be ideal for seeds, bulbs, plant foods, fertilisers and more. Simon Balderson,…

New mandevilla is naturally resistant to mites

While the star introduction from Suntory Flowers at the TPIE was a red hot mite-resistant mandevilla, Sun Parasol Mitebuster Red, two more intros include Sun Parasol Garden White in the bedding plant class and Sunrosa Yellow Delight in the compact shrub rose line. Sun Parasol Mitebuster Red Mitebuster Red is a compact, upright…

Ferns: February Houseplants of the Month

From bushy to stylised, and from dark green to silvery grey-green: ferns come in many forms with leaves that can also vary considerably. One has curls, the other more feather-like, and a third has no frills at all. Together they form an attractive group of green plants that fit with the growing interest…

US (OH): Automatic sticking machine in action at flower grower

There's no doubt that it's winter outside in central Ohio. But inside the greenhouses at Timbuk farms, they are already getting ready for spring. Timbuk Farms is known for Christmas trees, but it manages to stay busy year-round. Right now, they are one of only two places in Ohio that recruits the seasonal help of…

USAID evaluates AGOA program in Ethiopia

The USAID Hub’s lead African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) strategy consultant is in Ethiopia this week to gather supply-side information and conduct a sector analysis for…

Certification, a must or a trend?

Certification was one of the subjects tackled during the member sessions last November. You may be wondering what you should do about this issue. What does it mean for you? In this triptych, a grower, a trader and the Floriculture Sustainability Initiative will each offer their perspective on…

Thai flowers meet growing demand in cut orchid niche

The majority of the flowers and plants cultivated in Thailand are mainly destined for the local market. However, when offering them across the border, the interest seems to be high as well. Nicolas of The Amazing Flowers of Victoria, for example, decided to export Thai flowers and plants over a year ago…

Dutch export of agricultural products exceeds 90 billion euro in 2018

Agricultural goods to the tune of € 90.3 billion were exported in 2018, representing a slight rise of 0.2% on 2017 (€ 90.1 billion). The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world, after the United States, as is evident from research commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture,…

Colombian plan to keep narcotics out of flowers

Guarantee safe export of flowers and prevent drug trafficking during high seasons like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. This is the goal of the so-called “Plan Pétalo” that has been launched by the Colombian Anti-narcotics police and Asocolflores (the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters) in 2006.…

UK: "Underperforming nursery" to become caravan park

A plan to convert an "underperforming nursery" into a site for 40 static caravans is being backed by planning officers. The proposal, for change of use to land at Burford Nurseries, Burford, near Tenbury Wells, is being recommended for approval by Shropshire Council planning officials. The authority's planning committee will decide whether…

Florist predicts trends for 2019

Florists from Bloom & Wild have put together their top floral trends for 2019. Here's what Caroline Grimble, Lead Florist and Amelia Christoffers and Rowan Lewis, Floral Stylists at Bloom&Wild predicted:  Coral will stay big in the floral world with Pantone choosing it as 2019’s Colour of the Year  Foliage and grasses... and lots of them! They add beautiful texture and movement…

UK: Retail futurist to talk business at GCA conference

Retail Futurist Matthew Brown has been added to the line-up of guest speakers at the annual Garden Centre Association conference taking place January 20 until 23, 2019. Matthew will be…

US (TN): Dozens gather in Nashville for targeted education and tips

For dozens of floral industry members, last weekend brought an opportunity to make good on New Year’s resolutions to be more profitable, learn new skills and connect more with their peers from across segments. Industry members from 18 states gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, on Jan. 13 for the latest installation of the…

US (FL): New Sansevieria varieties turn heads at TPIE

Today is the last day of the TPIE in Ft. Lauderdale, (FL) USA. In total 400 exhibitors are showcasing their products and services, and one of these exhibitors is Fleurizon. This US based international brokerage firm is presenting many of their products in their assortment, drawing special attention to…

US (CA): Growers showcase floral bounty at Rose Parade

A record nine entries in the 2019 Rose Parade earned California Grown Certification – a distinction that recognizes entries decorated with over 85 percent of cut flowers and greens from the Golden State. From left to right: Peter Samek, Trish Duggan, Janet Justus stand alongside Keith White, lead designer for all…

Marketing for the green industry in the digital age

On Tuesday 8 January 2019, Veiling Rhein-Maas organised the eighth consecutive customers and suppliers day. About 450 guests attended the event on the topic ‘Marketing for the green industry in the digital age’ - even more than last year. Review 2018 and outlook 2019 After being welcomed in the foyer of the auction with a…

UK: "Don't miss out on the APL Awards"

This year the APL Awards 2019 will be hosted by Jamie Butterworth who will be joined by Adam White talking about the adventures of his career so far. Plantsman and horticulturist Jamie Butterworth wears many hats. Training at RHS Wisley before becoming show plant manager at Hortus Loci, Jamie is an RHS Ambassador and…

Italy: "The hard times are behind us, the trend up to 2022 is one of growth"

The Italian gardening industry is on its way up again. This was revealed in a recent study conducted by research institute Euromonitor International for Italian exhibition Myplant & Garden. They forecast a constant growth in the sales up to 2022, reaching the value of 2010 again, which was 3 billion…

"We see the needs of growers, landscapers, and landscape architects and can think big picture"

One stop shopping for green goods buyers in the Mid-Atlantic just got easier with the addition of Maryland-based Manor View Farm as a LandscapeHub Fulfillment Partner. Now customers of both Manor View and LandscapeHub can source, pay, schedule delivery, and pick up products for entire projects from…

Dillewijn Zwapak moves to new head office and distribution centre

Dillewijn Zwapak will move to its new head office and distribution centre in Amstelveen on 4 February 2019. “It has really become a great place for our employees to work, with a hypermodern central warehouse and a stylish and spacious showroom for our customers,” says Mark de Krosse (Managing Director).…

AppalachianTropicals ‏

Happy #PhalenopsisPhriday folks! #elegant #orchids #flowers #asheville #apptropicals #wnc #avl #weship pic.twitter.com/wEP6d1mGJo — AppalachianTropicals (@AppTropicals) January 18, 2019

Finland: DSV's operations in Vantaa move to new premises

From 1 January 2019, Road and Air & Sea in Vantaa (Finland) will operate out of a new DSV facility in Vantaa. The new logistics centre comprises a total of 64,000 sqm and consists of three buildings; an office of 4,000 sqm, a terminal of 10,000 sqm and a warehouse of 50,000 sqm. It will accommodate approximately 500…

It's time for revenge