If there will necessarily be seven no one knows, but walking about at Plantarium, the major trade fair for shrubs and trees in The Netherlands, confirms green business is still experiencing the fat years. Even the set-back in boxwood production caused by the box tree mot seemingly did not leave deep scars, since other plants like holly and other 'substitutes' jumped in successfully.
Darek Snieg of Virtoflora. At their booth, their new Rudbeckia varieties take center stage.
But that's not all. The list of novelties and other introductions brought out by the more than 300 exhibiting companies is long, meaning market dynamics is high. Entrepreneurs aim for improvement and expansion rather than consolidation, leaving ample room for investments and trying something new. Besides, the industry is more and more internationally oriented, which one can see reflected in a more diverse visitors base.
Rudolf Sterkel of Garden Girls presenting the new Sunset and Rasta Girls concepts.
Green Fits All
The theme of this year's edition is 'Green Fits All'. Easy peasy, one would say, for whom does not fit green, but this would do short to its intended meaning. This includes the worldwide development of 'tiny housing', of people in urban environments having to live their lives like ants in an anthill, and therefore are in desperate need of some nature to come in. Growers and others in the industry might think of applying natural materials in building and construction, implementing facade planting and green roofs, using natural pavement, etc. A theme most of the exhibitors knew how to employ to their own benefit, which in turn made the organization think of implementing an 'ecological route' showing visitors all the best and nicest innovations.
Ludwig Eberspächer and Carsten Strassen of Haurert, demonstrating the mobile robots of Harvest Automation they distribute.
Plant passport
Besides pitching innovations and meeting customers and relations, the so-called plant passport is the talk of town. A new law effective on December 14th this year says it should be possible to trace back the origin of any plant on the market. This counts for all growers within the EU, but many find it hard to believe it will all happen and be implemented effectively. Besides, it just costs money, but especially growers fear it's just another bother they will need to pay for.
Dan McEnaney of Bailey Nurseries and Garry Grüber of Cultivaris.
The fair will continue till Friday. Tonight, everyone is welcome to come out for 'Plantarium by night'; on Friday, Plantarium will be concluded with a festival called Holygreen.
The area where all novelties are presented.
Stay tuned for a photo report!