News

Liesl’s love for Christmas is rooted in tradition, warmth and meaningful rituals. Her blue-and-white AA Gent–themed Christmas tree stays up for two months and is filled with ornaments collected from around the world, each carrying a personal story. She cherishes visits to Christmas markets with her sister and values togetherness over perfection. Having worked with festive plants, she highlights the importance of conifers, Christmas roses and amaryllis in creating seasonal atmosphere and colour in the home.

For over 125 years, Hofland Flowering Plants has been a trusted name in floriculture. This family business from Naaldwijk blends tradition with innovation and is renowned for its signature plant, the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera). Led by Annemiek and Frank Hofland, the company puts sustainability first — from geothermal heating and LED lighting to biological crop protection.

The Poinsettia, or Christmas star, has evolved from a Mexican shrub into a true European Christmas icon. Its vibrant history, cultural symbolism, and sustainable breeding make it one of the most beloved festive plants. With over 90 million produced annually, it remains a key product for retailers. Discover its journey from legend to modern cultivation, and get inspired by new retail ideas that showcase its timeless charm and sustainable future.

In our “Colleague in the Spotlight” series, we meet Pieter Van de Velde, who transformed an old horse pasture behind his home into a flourishing patch of nature. Inspired by The Biggest Little Farm, Pieter and his family began a slow, hands-on experiment in biodiversity restoration. Step by step, they turned a barren field into a thriving habitat with hedges, trees, insects, and birds—without chemicals or shortcuts. Their weekend project is not about perfection but about balance, patience, and reconnecting with the land. For Pieter, working with nature is a source of peace, resilience, and wonder.

Plant World is a Dutch nursery offering over 4,000 tropical houseplants, including 85 exclusive varieties. Formed by the merger of three renowned growers, it combines craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability. Plants are grown naturally with care for people and planet. With partners worldwide and a strong focus on quality, Plant World brings colour, joy and longevity to homes. As sales manager Maik Duindam says: “We grow more than plants—we grow happiness.”

Looking to keep your garden vibrant after summer? Meet the Skimmia – a hardy, evergreen shrub that adds colour, scent, and structure throughout autumn and winter. With red or lime-green buds in late summer and fragrant flowers or berries in spring, it’s a true garden gem. This article introduces the most popular Skimmia varieties, from classics like Rubella to newcomers like Festival, and highlights the expert growers behind them. Plus: 5 easy care tips to help your Skimmia thrive on balconies, in borders, or as part of seasonal arrangements.

Autumn is the season of connection. In this issue, we explore how the energy of the season fuels both reflection and action. We highlight sustainable partnerships, bridge the gap between growers and customers, and share fresh insights on market trends and standout autumn plants like Skimmia and dorm-friendly greenery. Discover the Cosmic Future trend and organically shaped garden shrubs. Let’s grow together — not in spite of autumn, but thanks to it.

Anneke Van Pee has been working at Floréac for 38 years, labelling plants with care and precision. But her plant passion doesn’t stop at work—at home, she tends to her beloved carnivorous plants like Nepenthes, Sarracenia, and Dionaea. Fascinated by their insect-catching nature and decorative appeal, she collects rainwater especially for them. Challenging but rewarding, these plants give her joy and satisfaction—especially in summer. Anneke is truly a lifelong plant lover, both professionally and personally.