Floréac Magazine
Foto : ©Floréac © www.thejoyofplants.co.uk | Unsplash | Pixabay | Pexel | Kaboompics Autumn 2023 Issue no 25
Foreword
Supplier in the spotlight : Bush Brothers
Autumn classics
Floréac rewarded again with JardinPlus Silver Trophée 2023
Product in the spotlight : Beautanic lifestyle
New kids on the block
Fairs 2023
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Content
3 www.thejoyofplants.co.uk
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Ecosystems Dear partner
In previous editions, I have used this page to emphasise how Floréac looks at collaboration.
After all, we believe that mutual commitments and co-creation are the basis for sustainable value creation. That is why we are also genuinely happy to count you among our partners, because no company does “it” alone. By continuously building on the past together, and improving and changing where necessary, we all get further.
Of course, a company reasons to a very large extent from selfinterest and therefore sometimes does not consider that the valued partners in turn also work very intensively with many employees and partners. So as an organisation, you may not think of a kind of solar system, with your own logo in the middle and those of all partners around it. We are all part of something bigger, an ecosystem with an extraordinary number of hard-working people in a large group of related organisations.
From Floréac, we carry that ecosystem very warmly. We are committed to supporting the whole sector in its development. The sustainability initiatives and our loyalty towards growers and customers are just a few examples.
Our special thanks for all the work you people and partners do together. We probably cannot grasp how intense and complex it sometimes is. I therefore look forward to getting to know you and your company (even better), and would like to call on everyone to take good care of our ecosystem together.
Together, we make the world more beautiful with the help of beautiful plants.
Happy reading!
Benoit Strauven CEO
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Anthurium festival
Anthuriums, or flamingo flowers, are the favourites of the plant kingdom. Not only because of their heart-shaped, colourful leaves, but mainly because they are so versatile and bloom for a very long time. And because they make you dream of tropical places in every season. But first, let’s get something straight. The ‘flowers’ are actually spatulas, or ennobled leaves. Doesn’t matter. With their bright colours, they lead you down the garden path. Mostly red, pink or white, but also purple, orange or another popping shade ... And all in different sizes and designs. No wonder they fit any interior. And for every plant lover. Because green fingers or not, these pleasers require little care.
Besides the flowering Anthuriums described above, leaf Anthuriums also deserve attention. These stand out for their large, heart-shaped leaves with stunningly veined patterns. A word about its origins. Its exotic appearance actually gives it away; the anthurium originated in the rainforests of Colombia. It is a genus of as many as 1,000 species! Talk about a versatile plant.
ANZIZO-12A
ANLIVI-14A
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ANJUBU-21A
NEW
ANLIRU-14A LIVIUM RUBY
ANBARO-17A BANDEROLA ROJA
ANCRYS-06A
ANSIBL-06A
NEW NEW
ANLIMI-12A LIPA-PINK-MINI-12CM
Bush Brothers : in search of undiscovered orchids
Is it a trailer for an Indiana Jones movie or the story of a nurseryman? The website of nursery Bush Brothers puts your imagination to work. They call themselves treasure hunters and for this they dive deep into the South African Jungle. Their life’s work. With practised noses, they trace exclusive orchids and green plants. Who are these two brothers and what drives them?
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Marco en Patrick Lansbergen
The adventure begins
The story of Bush Brothers begins in 1968. Then still Lansbergen Orchids and founded by Theo and Toos Lansbergen. They first grew vegetables and later cut flowers. Until their sons, the twins Marco and Patrick, joined the nursery in 1994. Year after year, the nursery grew and other crops were added. But the real turning point came in 2000. Then the brothers shifted their focus to more exclusive plants, especially orchids. Today, they grow a wide assortment of up to 150 orchids on 5.4 hectares. The collection includes, for example, a scented orchid, the panther-print orchid and orchids in special colours, such as blue and black. Since 2020, green houseplants such as the Aglaonema .
expedition
“Unravelling the secrets of nature is the Bush Brothers’ passion. Both botanists at heart. Both fascinated by discovering yet another new plant species. For decades, the Bush Brothers have searched jungles and mountain regions.”
Patrick Lansbergen chuckles when we present him with this piece of text. “It’s symbolic,” he explains. “The website also says ‘Cum Grano Salis’, to be taken with a pinch of salt. So we don’t really trek to the jungle, but we always look for exclusive species. Orchids that no or few other growers grow. If we come across beautiful species, we have them cutted in a large laboratory in Thailand. For the first 18 months of their existence, the orchids and green plants grow up there, in authentic conditions. When they are big and strong enough, they are further grown off in our greenhouse. In these greenhouses, we imitate the climate in which the plant thrives best.
Niche offerings
Their discoveries have already brought much recognition among fellow botanists around the world. Not for nothing have they been awarded the International Botanists Association’s prestigious Botanical Discovery Award several times. Their inventions have graced the covers of widely read trade magazines dozens of times. What makes their range so special?
“We offer a wide range of not so common species. Think Oncidium, Zygopetalum, Ludisia and Brassia. We
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“ We always look for exclusive varieties. Orchids that no or few other growers but grow ”
Patrick Lansbergen
The
grow only a limited edition of each species. Moreover we grow each species in optimal conditions. Which means we can offer strong plants. Heavy and compact. Because of our diversity, we have an outlet for every market .”
Using what nature gives us sparingly
Growing 5.4 ha of orchids and green plants requires quite a bit of energy. How do the brothers keep that under control?
“We purchased a CHP in 2019. In addition, we invested in energyefficient LED lighting: in 2022, a greenhouse of 4 000 LED lighting with 60% more light and 50% energy savings. In 2023, this was joined by 25 000 metres in energy-efficient LED lighting. With this, we light one greenhouse and more will follow in time. We are also installing a heat source. This will go up to two kilometres underground and the hot water will be pumped from there and brought to us via a pipeline. A process of years but the intention, of course, is to eventually grow completely fossil-free. Not just for energy reasons but mainly to avoid burdening the environment. We need to use natural resources, such as energy and water, sparingly. Furthermore, we do not use plastic. Our certifications
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“ The aim, of course, is to eventually grow completely fossil-free. Not just for energy reasons but mainly to avoid burdening the environment ”
Patrick Lansbergen
Where? De Lier (NL)
What? 4.5 orchids including Brassia, Cambria, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Epidendrum, Miltonia, Oncidium, Zygopetalum, Ludisia, Treasure, Oncidium Cherry Baby, Paphiopedilum. Supplemented by green houseplants such as Aglaonema.
Employed? 25 permanent staff, supplemented during busy periods by 12 temporary workers and 40 job students.
Sales market? All of Europe: mainly Scandinavia, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France. But also beyond the European border as far as Madagascar.
“I am indeed hoping for growth. We rent a few gardens now and it would be nice to have one big garden of about 5 to 6 acres, or two gardens. That is our dream, but we realise all too well that the sector is not having an easy time. There are many growers throwing in the towel. But we have nothing to complain about. Moreover, we have several green plants in our range. That’s how we spread the risks.”
Finally, a personal question: is it an advantage to work with your twin brother? “Quite a lot,” laughs Patrick. “We complement each other well. Marco mainly takes care of the organisation, finances and staff. In addition, he directs cultivation. I mainly deal with the sales of all varieties. It is now waiting to see whether our children will take up the torch so that Bush Brothers remains a family business.”
according to MPS-A and MPS GlobalGAP prove our sustainable vision.”
Floréac as a fixture
Even if the big adventure is central, the nursery is happy to have some regulars. Like Floréac.
“I think we have been working together since 2000. Always on good terms. I can safely say that we reinforce each other. Because we have different types, we can soon offer large volumes. We have built a stable relationship and hope to continue working this way for many years to come.”
A view through the binoculars
And then the future, do the brothers hope to discover many hidden treasures?
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Autumn classics
The change of season promises another load of plants. Some still quietly budding, others lush and radiant. From showy wig tree, spicy Skimmia, fierce Hebe to vital Vibernum ... all eager to conquer autumn. Give them a stage on your terrace, a place of honour in your garden, or put them in an elegant pot in front of your door. And above all: enjoy this colourful autumn harvest. We list some of the toppers. Take a walk with us?
www.thejoyofplants.co.uk
Skimmia
Skimmia brings colour to autumn and winter with its red, sparkling berries. It is a generous plant. In autumn, it treats with berries that slowly turn from green to intense red. In late summer, it then conjures fragrant flowers from its hat. At no more than 125 cm tall, it fits perfectly in any garden. But in containers, pots and tubs it does just as well. Be sure not to water it too much as it does not like that.
Heuchera
Heuchera or the purple bellflower is a maverick. A go-getter. Because where most perennials give up above ground, this standout retains its leaves. With its bright green , deep red, caramel-coloured leaves, it colours the garden. Some varieties stand out even more. With bicoloured leaves, unusual veins or incisions of the leaf, they steal the show. Also in summer palms them into the garden with delicate flower clusters on thin, long flower stalks. Ideal for outdoors, it also feels at home in pots, containers and baskets.
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Hebe
Hebe, also known as bush veronica is worth exploring. A tad wild, but mostly colourful. Its leaves range from light green to dark green and very light grey. To even purple-red in winter and spring. But it stands out above all for its clusters of flowers, in white, purple or pink. Not only we are fans. With its long stamens, it constantly attracts butterflies and bees. A plus for biodiversity!
Nandina
Nandina is a diva in autumn foliage. This stunning ornamental hostess surprises at any time. Subdued in autumn with white, plumeshaped flowers. Then with autumnal pinkishred leaves and as icing on the cake: bright red berries. This is how it goes into winter, flanked by elliptical leaves, usually double-pinnate along the stems. Heavenly, right? In China, her country of origin, she adorns temples. Hence its nickname celestial bamboo.
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Cotinus
Cotinus, or wig tree, is a mood creator in autumn. Its summery panicles of small flowers turn into long, curly, packed, hair-like fruits in autumn. As if treating your garden to soft pink sweet candyfloss. Eye candy wrapped in bluish green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Although there are also red-leaved varieties, such as Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, among others.
Acer
Acer, also known as Japanese maple, is a phenomenal sight. Autumn bundled into a hardy shrub. From fresh green in spring to dark red, bronze, orange and yellow, the leaves surprise every time. Their finger-like contours form an raised hand. An open invitation to fully experience autumn. The Japanese maple feels at home both in the open ground and in pots.
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Pieris
Pieris, also known as Japanese andromeda, does love a bit of dressing up. This flamboyant mood creator adorns itself in autumn and winter with red-purple flower buds. In spring, the buds bring white, pink or red flower clusters with bubble flowers. Then it goes from coppery, red, pink or yellow-green. Colourful leaves and lilac to purple buds even appear here and there. In short, a colour carnival for your garden.
Leucothoe
Leucothoe, sometimes called magic ball among ornamental shrubs. Logical because its lanceolate leaves colour from green to yellow, pink, red and purple. Some varieties even show off variegated leaves. And all through the winter. Put it in the light and it goes wild. In late spring, she treats with small white or pink bellshaped flowers in clusters.
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Vibernum
Vibernum is a real winter booster. Evergreen yet different throughout the seasons. It starts autumn with beautiful deep green leaves and small decorative buds in pinkish red or white. From December to April, these flowers cluster into half-spheres. Hence its nickname: snow globe. Pay particular attention to its light, pleasant fragrance. Before it dozes off in summer, it indulges in decorative dark berries.
17 © www.mooiwatplantendoen.nl
Floréac rewarded again with JardinPlus Silver Trophée 2023
For the fifth year in a row, we fell in with the JardinPlus jury. After once silver and three times gold, we were once again awarded a silver trophy. Proof that the efforts we make for the French market are paying off.
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Guillaume Bianco & An Vander Aa
Tailored to the French market
The JardinPlus Silver Trophée2023 confirms our commitment to quality and service for the French market. A boost, as it was quite a tough year for our sector. Floréac weathered this period with good results. “We have been able to offer solutions in collaboration with all our partners, carriers and customers, and with full transparency,” summarises An Vander Aa, Floréac’s Sales Director.
And because France is so important to us, we have created a new organisation for this market since this year. Sales Manager Guillaume Bianco explains: “We want to offer our French customers more support. Because it is precisely through our presence on the ground and our solutions à la tête du client that we make the difference. For example, some customers only want access to the webshop, while others want us to manage their entire range. We also closely monitor changing consumer demand. It is also thanks to our close cooperation with ‘Silence ça pousse’ that we can anticipate these trends.”
Working for a better world
Our sustainability efforts were also picked up by the jury. With the slogan: ‘Working for a better world’, we launched an ambitious plan for the future at the end of last year.
We list the highlights.
• Affiliation with FSI 2025 and Sedex
• MPS certification
• Under the banner of Plantify Partners Europe, we are working with Royal Lemkes to reduce plastic. We are also taking care of packaging plates in France and Europe.
People are the key
In all our efforts, people remain the key. People need positive energy, attention, encouragement and recognition. Everyone counts and all noses in the same direction. Together, we make the world a little more pleasant for each other. Without our employees, customers, suppliers and partners, no trophy. We realise that all too well.
So thank you very much to everyone who contributed and voted for us. Next year we will go for gold again!
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“ We have been able to offer solutions in collaboration with all our partners, carriers and customers, and with full transparency ”
An Vander Aa
Indian Summer forever
September is the new July. Get your balcony, patio or tile garden ready for a colourful autumn. Brighten them up with compositions in warm autumn shades. Or how about colourful autumn flowers in a stylish pot, atmospheric outdoor lighting and a bench in front of the door. Everything for a sultry Indian summer with the winter blues at a safe distance.
www.thejoyofplants.co.uk
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Product in the spotlight : Beautanic Lifestyle
Green plants have been on the rise for a while now. At the same time, consumer demands are also increasing: plants must be grown sustainably, be easy to maintain and, above all, remain beautiful for a long time. This is where the Westland family of growers MDK Flowers & Greens has the perfect answer with the Beautanic Lifestyle brand.
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A logical continuation of their story that began more than twenty-five years ago. Because since 1987, MDK has been growing and marketing luxury decorative foliage , tropical cut flowers and high-quality potted plants. From day one with sustainability as a compass, think CO2 reduction, biological control, water recycling and so on. With the Beautanic Lifestyle brand, they go one step further. These large green houseplants are grown on hydroponics and have water roots. Their special hydropot is equipped with a water meter and water reservoir.
What makes Beautanic Lifestyle so sustainable?
• They are grown on volcanic grains, 100% natural and peat-free, good for a 92% CO2 reduction. As the grains do not decompose, they always remain (re)usable. The volcanic grains provide the optimum ratio of water and oxygen at the root. Volcanic substrate, in turn, is free of diseases, fungi and weeds.
• The hydropot is made of recycled material and the roots of hydro plants, the water roots, retain their size. So transplanting is not necessary.
• 95% of pouring water comes in the form of rainwater. Excess water is reused.
Sustainable watering system
But its main asset? Convenience. These plants take care of themselves.
The water roots of hydra plants are used to being constantly in water. With a few clever touches, such as the water meter, you can immediately see when the plant needs water. Moreover, the 1.5-litre water reservoir means you need to water less often. Another convenience? Water roots are smart roots because they absorb water themselves when needed. In short, green fingers or not, with these plants everyone enjoys greenery in their home for an extra long time.
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Special birthplace
Corporate sustainability is not only about the product but also about the people who grow it with love. All MDK plants are grown with great care in Ghana. A stable country with an ideal climate for large and small houseplants. The welfare of more than 150 employees is central. Think daily hot meals, reimbursement of medical expenses and also growth opportunities for employees. Those who want to can follow courses to ensure themselves a stable future.
Beautanic Lifestyle plants are sold through various garden centres in the Netherlands & Belgium, as well as in the UK and Germany.
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