Germany: 45 participants visiting horticultural businesses in the Lower Rhine region

On May 19 and 20, 2025, Flora Blumenimport & Handels eG organized a Grower Tour ('Gärtnertour') under its BesteBlumen brand, taking participants through selected horticultural businesses in the Lower Rhine region in Germany. Around 45 participants from across the floral supply chain, including wholesalers, florists, trade association representatives, and other industry professionals, joined the two-day program.

The tour visited several nurseries in North Rhine-Westphalia, with travel by bus providing a practical setting for conversation and informal networking among participants.

These businesses opened their doors for the tour participants:

Klümpen Roses
Verbeek Hydrangeas
Ruland Outdoor Roses
Grutsch Horticulture
Van Megen Gerberas
Wans Roses
Vermöhlen Peonies

"The participating companies warmly welcomed us and offered exclusive behind-the-scenes insights: production processes, breeding goals, unique operational features, and current challenges were presented openly and practically. It was precisely these background details—often hidden in day-to-day operations—that made the tour a truly special experience", the organizers say when looking back at the trip.

A particular highlight was the visit to Veiling Rhein-Maas flower auction, unique in Germany. Participants gained exclusive insight into the workings of a modern auction house, including logistics, goods handling, and digital bidding systems. "For many, it was an impressive glimpse into the heart of daily market operations."

The diversity made the difference, from wholesalers and florists to growers and industry leaders, everyone participated with great enthusiasm. New connections were made, existing ones strengthened, and many conversations along the way led to valuable knowledge exchange and a strong sense of community.

"The organization ran smoothly and received repeated praise—from route planning and breaks to the charming group photo ritual at the end of each visit."

Conclusion:
"A thoroughly successful event with professional depth, personal warmth, and a lasting sense of togetherness. The 2025 Gärtnertour was more than just a glimpse inside greenhouses—it was a powerful signal for collaboration, curiosity, and enthusiasm in the green industry."