Victor Hooftman explains how Hooftman Boomkwekerij has been focusing on hardy shrubs as the silent force of every garden for more than 30 years. With a focus on efficiency, automation and realistic sustainability, the family business is building a future-proof range. Open cooperation, seasonal thinking and knowledge sharing with partners such as Floréac are the key to profitability for growers, exporters and garden centres alike.
Floréac Magazine No. 35 brings together inspiration for the spring season with five detailed themes and practical stories from the sector. Hardy shrubs, a clearly structured Phalaenopsis assortment, the Belgian supplier event and ympa’s sustainable vision show how assortment, collaboration and presentation come together on the shop floor. Sabrina Celie’s gardening story provides extra inspiration for ecological and seasonal gardening. An edition that brings together atmosphere, ideas and concrete tools for a strong start to the growing season.
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.
Floréac begins a new chapter as the company returns fully to Belgian ownership, with CEO An Vander Aa acquiring all shares. This decision strengthens the company’s identity, long-term vision and closeness to customers and partners. Structure, team and financial foundation remain unchanged, while the focus on quality, service, reliability and international ambition becomes even stronger.
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.
The new Floréac Magazine Winter 2025/2026 is out now! This 34th edition celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and connection. Explore five Christmas themes that bring retail spaces to life, from luxurious and traditional to Scandinavian and modern. Discover our Plant in the Spotlight, the Poinsettia, a refreshing Green Reset for January, and inspiring stories from Hofland Plants and team member Liesl. A magazine that captures the beauty of nature and the spirit of the season.
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.
