Already in the Middle Ages, 2000 kilometers of ditches were constructed in Boskoop in the Netherlands, between long-stretched islands of 15 meters wide. These fields, on fertile peat soil, were very well suited for fruit and tree cultivation. Boskoop breathes ornamental cultivation history and nursery Salm Boskoop adds a beautiful chapter.
Plant exporter Javado visited the grower, resulting in a nice report.
Can you give us a picture of nursery Salm Boskoop?
The brothers Hans and Paul van der Salm started their own tree nursery on a small plot of land 30 years ago. Energetic, inventive, decisive, and social are the core values. A larger plot became available, which gave room to the pioneering minds of the brothers. Think first, then properly execute, and so a healthy and modern company was born.
May 3, 2007, is a black day for the company. Hans van der Salm had died in a traffic accident. Partly because of his effort, vision, and personality, Salm Boskoop grew into the beautiful company all employees are proud of. I can only have deep respect for the way Paul has been able to continue. The interconnectedness is strong and we can enjoy all the successes of the company, not only economically, but also in the field of doing business socially and environmentally friendly.
Tell us about your cultivations?
We are focusing on the growth of Lavender, Buxus, Gaultheria, Picea conica, Pinus pinea, Ilex crenata and decorative fruit. We are the only real grower of the famous Lavandula st. 'Anouk'. This is the best topped lavender on the market. The Lavandula ang. 'Felice' is also a variety only we bring to the market. The Gaultheria 'Big Berry' is a very strong variety, and the berries are on the leaf and not hidden in between. We grow Buxus, Ilex, and Picea in the open field. Because of the peat ground and the high groundwater level, the plants grow a good root system without pen root. This makes the plants easy to pot and extends their shelf life. Moreover, the soil is much lighter than clay or sand soil, so easier to carry by the consumer.
Salm Boskoop has multiple plots, spread over Boskoop. We get in the car for a tour of the fields. Pieter Heemskerk tells about the nature in this environment.
We are proud of and careful with our beautiful environment. We work according to the principle of 'alternating cultivation' to keep the fertile soil in shape. When the Buxus has been harvested, we plant tagetes (marigolds) which have the great property of purifying the soil of harmful nematodes. Then we can set up another cultivation.
Using marigolds is a century-old method, but the way laser technology is used to plant the plants in a straight line and are mechanically pruned in the desired form. Another good example of our motto: if we do something, we do it right.
Why should garden centers choose your products?
To the outside world, the name Salm Boskoop is all we have. Quality is foremost, always. When we ship, it must be good. So if the demand is huge and the market wants plants which are not really done growing, we do not ship. If a garden center chooses our plants, they are sure to have strong varieties with a uniform, excellent quality. If you think growing plants with respect for the environment is important, you have come to the right place!
How is the match with Javado?
Javado has been a client since the beginning. We know Javado and anticipate the annually growing sales so when we get another large order, this will not affect the day trade with Javado.
How do you see the future?
Of course, the online sales are increasing enormously. But for plants, I believe that seeing, smelling, and feeling are so important that consumers would rather go to a garden center. Moreover, garden centers help them make choices they cannot make online.
I can also tell something about the future of the company: we are going to grow Taxus on the open field, and we have developed a special new lavender: Lavandula ang. 'Felice Premium Provence'. The plants are incredibly pure and flower early in the season.
The above blog was contributed by Javado