Yesterday both GreenTech Amsterdam and the Californian-modeled FlowerTrials took off. Together these events attract a broad representation of the international floriculture and greenhouse building sectors to the country, offering visitors about all there is to discover in the fields of breeding and the art of growing. In the mean time local growers, taking advantage of the horticultural influx, open their facilities to customers and other visitors from abroad.
GreenTech
The GreenTech is almost entire focused on the greenhouse technique & supplying industry. Therefore not many plants and flowers to be admired, but growers can find all they could possibly wish for in terms of machines, software, lamps, screens, glass, pots and trays and more. Our colleagues are running about and an extensive photo report is being made as we speak. And since we have our own booth - 12.003 - if you feel like coming by, please do so!
Bart Bovee and Gertie Rongen at Limex, a company specialized in tray washing machines; Lisa van Koningsveld and Francis Schrama of Modiform, amongst others presenting the 'Root Barrier' solution, a coated tray preventing root bonding, a problem notably occurring in orchids and bromeliad; ladies from Japanese company Flora Co., bringing to the market a new plant vitalisor HB-101; and Paul Rademakers and Adrie van Diemen at Willburg Projecten, here posing with their newest pot-washing-machine.
FlowerTrials
At the FlowerTrials, this year no less than 62 breeding companies exhibit their newest varieties together with their existing commercial assortment. They do so at their own facilities, simultaneously making space for their colleague-companies either being located too far off or, being of modest size, lacking the facilities themselves.
This year again three new companies joined. These are propagating company AllPlant Young from the Nehterlands, DeCock Plants from Belgium and the Australian-Greek cooperation Ramm Botanicals/Kalantzis Plants.
Clockwise: the Ramm Botanicals/Kalantzis team, Daan Kneppers at GreenWorks, the Danziger team with some new additions to the famous petunia Amore and Sirekit Mol of Beekenkamp Plants
Yesterday, at the MNP Flowers facilities, the new variety Zepeti by Meilland Roses was officially baptized. "Zepeti: form the French word 'petit' meaning 'small', and 'Ze', for that's how French people pronounce 'the'", Alain Meilland jokingly said. See today's newsletter for more information.
Orchid Inspiration Days
Simultaneously with the GreenTech and the FlowerTrials, a dozen or so Phalaenopsis growers opened their doors to the public. These days, since a few years promoted as Orchid Inspiration Days, this year welcomed two extra growers: Artisan and Ter Laak Orchids. Have a look at the website for more information on the Inspiration Days and find out more on all the different participants.
Clockwise: Brenda Hanemaaijer at Kwekerij Piet Vijverberg; Marcel Moeskops at Green Balanz; Marian Bunnik at Van der Hoorn Orchideeën; and lastly a peek into to showroom at LevoPlant.
Garden Trials and Trade
Also the Garden Trials and Trade 2019 should be mentioned. Held in the Plantarium building in Boskoop, these trials host a large group of shrubs and tree growers. Together they highlight a broad assortment, including many novelties. Yesterday, the Clematis 'ST17333’ (Multi Pink), pitched by grower Van der Starre, was awarded 'Best Novelty'.
Dennis de Jong, Helma van der Louw (chairman KVBC), Bart van der Starre and Arjan Scholten
Local fairs
Lastly, anyone coming to Holland and wanting to visit any other company - don't hesitate to give a call stating you'll be dropping by. That's the Dutch way: you possibly bring money, we talk to you. Joking aside, many growers and suppliers are said to organize their own more private open house, profiting from the international attention the sector is enjoying these days. To give but one example: if you are somehow interested in anything that has to do with lilies and flower bulbs, one has a big chance to be happily welcomed at one the many companies participating in the Dutch Lily Days from last week.