Lively second spring edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

The second spring edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt was a success. A lively atmosphere permeated the fair hall, which filled up immediately after the opening, especially on the first fair day. Visitors were treated to a wide range of directly available outdoor green products, and more than 180 exhibitors enthusiastically presented their companies and products. 

Exhibitors look back on a highly appreciated fair. Talks with existing and new business relations and commercial transactions led to a positive conclusion for this spring edition. Fair manager Marjolein Wieckardt is also pleased with the successful fair. “It was an attractive, relaxed fair, with a good number of visitors. Also great was that certain visitors, such as representatives of garden centre chains, found their way to the fair in groups. For example, a group of representatives of the famous De Bosrand garden centre toured the fair after first enjoying a cup of coffee together.”

Focus on low-peat cultivation at the Green Future Hub

At this edition of the fair, the focus was on low-peat cultivation at the Green Future Hub. Eight exhibitors presented products grown in substrates containing little or no peat. Specialists from Anthos, Delphy, the Dutch Nursery Stock and Perennials Association LTO, and the Dutch Association of Potting Soil and Substrate Producers discussed this topic with visitors and exhibitors during walk-in question sessions. The general conclusion was that it’s good for the entire production chain to consider the environmental aspects of the use of peat closely. Although peat usage is expected to continue to play an important part in substrate cultivation, the advice is to switch to low-peat or peat-fee cultivation or to use certified sustainable peat bearing the Responsibly Produced Peat (RPP) quality mark.

‘Visitors’ Favourite’ Green Retail Award

The twelve products nominated for the Visitors’ Favourite were presented directly at the fair’s entrance. The visitors were invited to vote for what they considered the best new plant via the Green Balls ballot system. The favourite was, undoubtedly, Winter Angel Helleborus Frostkiss Magico, submitted by Kwekerij Verboom B.V. from Zevenhuizen. Indeed, an extra pillar had to be installed to accommodate all the Green Balls. Winter Angel Helleborus Frostkiss Magico honours its name with the magically beautiful pink-white colours of its flowers and its attractively marbled foliage. The plant retains this marbled foliage all year round, ensuring a touch of colour when almost the entire winter garden is fast asleep!

The next edition will occur on 21 and 22 August 2024, coinciding with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair. The trade fair is approved by the International Association of Horticultural Producers – AIPH. It will take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in the Dutch town of Hazerswoude/Boskoop. For more information and to register your participation or visit, visit the website plantariumgroendirekt.nl.