As a company with family roots, a real milestone to dwell on and look forward to. First and foremost, a moment to pay tribute to our employees, customers and suppliers. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed and is contributing to the success of Floréac, by working daily with a big heart for plants since 1954!
In an interview with founder Etienne Floré, we explore in this magazine the thread that runs through the story of Floréac, which has since transcended several generations with great pride.
We were able to experience this sense of pride again as a team by standing on the podium for the fifth year in a row at the prestigious JardinPlus Awards 2024 in Paris, where we were awarded the Silver Trophy for the indoor plant category. In addition, Floréac achieved a top-five nomination for the overarching category ‘best garden supplier’ for France . Again, our warm appreciation for the sustained support of our partners and customers.
In general, spring was one with a highly variable weather pattern and (too) much rainfall in large parts of Europe with undeniable challenges for our sector, not only in terms of our current business but also in terms of climate change. Once again, there are opportunities in making our gardens more climate-proof and raising awareness about this. With the contributions in this magazine on ‘The garden of the future’ and ‘Tile Flipping’, we would like to inspire you as a sector to work on this together in a future-oriented way.
As usual, the autumn season is kicked off with a number of sector events as key meeting points. Moreover, we cordially invite you to meet our teams in person at our exhibition stands during Four Oaks (UK); Le Salon du Végétal (FR); Green expo (BE) or during one of the specific customer events where we present.
We look forward with you to a nice(r) autumn and for our gardens we cross our fingers for a hopefully beautiful ‘Indian summer’.
Happy reading!
An Vander Aa CEO Floréac
Extraordinary autumn palette for indoors
This season is all about bold colours and striking contrasts. Try something different from classic autumn shades. And choose a sparkling autumn palette that colours outside the lines. Surprise your customers with purple Saint-Paulias combined with candy pink lilies, violet-blue Vandas, exuberantly striped Calatheas and sober Senecio herreanus. In that contrast, beauty emerges and livens up any indoor space. Extraordinary success guaranteed!
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Extraordinary autumn happiness
This autumn, rose, purple and grey are taking over the garden. Highlight deep purple Brassica and Chrysanthemums in fifty shades of pink. These drama queens of the garden match wonderfully with green-grey Festuca and white-green Cineraria Maritima. Finish off with Sedum. Not called Herbstfreude for nothing. This way you are not just selling a plant, but happiness in a pot. Extraordinarily well done.
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“I still have fun every day”: nursery Maes-Reyns in the spotlight
From strawberries to pansies. Listing the range of plants and flowers at MaesReyns Nursery is a hopeless task. Customers like to come back because they know: here you are served at your beck and call. Co-owner Isabelle Maes takes us behind the scenes of a family business that has already crossed several waters.
Isabelle Maes
From vegetables to a wide range of plants
In 2012, Isabelle Maes joined the family business founded by her father in 1976. “In the beginning, my father mainly grew vegetables. But at the request of a customer, he also started with flowers. From a few square metres, this steadily grew to several hectares. About thirty years ago, he then switched completely to flowers and plants. Today, we grow some twelve hectares of open-air cultivation and two hectares of indoor cultivation and are known for our wide range a year round.
In spring, for instance, we have a wide range with slightly smaller numbers of pansies, primroses, annual seedbed plants and geraniums, begonias and balcony plants, among others. In summer, we then have larger numbers, but fewer different varieties. In autumn, the emphasis is on Jacabaea (Cineraria), Leucophyta (Calocephalus), Brassica, Heuchera, Gaulteria, pansies and perennials. In short, a year-round colour palette.”
Customer focus
So the offer varies according to the seasons. What does keep coming back is the focus on the customer. “Customers determine our offer. We constantly question their needs. At the same time, we also keep our finger on the pulse. What trends are there? What colours are in demand? What novelties are there? We compile our range on this basis. Not only do we offer different varieties, but also the pot sizes vary from pot nine to twenty-seven and everything in between.
So customers can order a lot of items from us.
Additional asset? The speed of our service. That can be done via e-mail, but we prefer a phone call where we can ask additional questions. That customer contact is really important. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, we are also working on a new website that will enable online ordering.”
“Floréac often comes over here. Important, because a plant is a living product. You have to see and feel that up close”
Isabelle Maes
Weighing all options for the best quality
Everything for the customer, in other words. That is why Maes-Reyns pays a lot of attention to quality. Strong plants that can take a beating. And against drought. A challenge that is increasingly becoming a problem. “My husband grows the plants and from the start he selects strong plants that are disease-resistant and drought-tolerant. It is always a process of weighing things up, because we are also experimenting with peat-free potting soil. Because we want to grow greener and many customers ask for it. But then again, this kind of potting soil requires more water.”
Sustainably into the future
And so we arrived at the topic of sustainability. A theme that is also very much on Isabelle’s mind. They have been looking for some time for the certification that best suits their business. For now, they have the basics with Vegaplan. “The biggest challenge is our extensive product range. That makes it complex to find a certificate that suits us perfectly. Dutch growers are further ahead in this because their range is more limited. To work it out for our nursery, we would actually have to hire someone extra. But in the meantime, we are not sitting still.
For instance, we have invested in solar panels and have double plastic in our greenhouses. Moreover, we also don’t grow
“Crises don’t paralyse us anymore and even after corona, the energy and other crises, we knew: it will blow over and everything will be fine.”
Isabelle Maes
the hottest varieties which limits additional heating. And as I said, we select for strong plants that don’t need pest control. Furthermore, we recycle our water and join forces with other companies for transportation.”
Respectful cooperation with Floréac
Floréac is one such company with whom Maes-Reyns has been
working for some time. “Floréac often comes across the floor here. Important, because a plant is a living product. You have to see and feel that up close. Floréac is ideally placed as an intermediary between the grower and the end user. They know like no other what is important to customers in Belgium, but also abroad. They are also always looking for novelties. That’s why it clicks so well between us.”
Overcoming crises
To talk about the future, we look back to the past. For the path of the nursery was not over roses. “In 2014, we were hit by a fall wind that almost razed the nursery to the ground. A heavy blow, but giving up is not in our dictionary. And look, we came out stronger. Today, the company is bigger than before. Crises no longer paralyse us and even after corona,
Where? Moorsele (BE): 12 ha of open-air cultivation and 2 ha of greenhouse cultivation.
What? Wide range of annuals and perennials. A total of 9 million plants per year
Employed? 20 permanent employees supplemented by a dozen seasonal employees.
Certificates? Vegaplan
Sales market? European (wholesale) trade, with a focus on Belgium, France and also exports to UK and Switzerland.
the energy and other crises, we knew: it will blow over and everything will be fine . So I look positively to the future. The only thing I do have some doubts about is the next generation. How do we get them excited so that they start working in the sector with gusto?”
Why does she still enjoy herself? “Because there is so much variety in my job. You see something small grow into something beautiful. Something that makes the world more beautiful. Something that people enjoy. I just love being among plants as well as people.”
Jeux de feuillages
What does the Alocasia Dragon Scale have in common with the Anthurium Jungle Bush, Philodendron Florida Ghost and Aglaomorpha Coronans? Not only do their names sound frivolous, their appearance is equally extravagant. These people pleasers look best at the entrance or in the shop window. Place them in stylish designer pots for even more effect. Or inspire your customers with a themed stand where you play with colour, size and leaf texture.
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Product in the spotlight: Cool Cyclamen
Cyclamen are loved by flower lovers worldwide. Rightly so, because the heartshaped green leaves, together with the colourful flowers, are a real eye-catcher in any interior. The garden or terrace also liven up with a Cyclamen nearby. Even all year round. And all thanks to innovative breeding and production by our suppliers. Time to put this versatile flower in the spotlight.
Thibaut D’huyvetter, projectcoördinator bij U Gent
Love and joy
The Cyclamen has a long history. Originally from the region around the Mediterranean Sea, this bulbous plant symbolises love and joy. The name ‘Cyclamen’ comes from the Greek word ‘kyklos,’ meaning ‘circle,’ referring to the circular growth of the flowers. This array of butterfly-like flowers is what makes the plant so special. With their pink, purple-pink or white flowers, they bring colour all year round. There are two versions of the plant: a tuberous plant that can be gardened as a hardy perennial. These are the Cyclamen coum also known as the Alpine violet. In this article, we highlight the second family, the nonhardy variety, namely the Cyclamen persicum.
Cyclamen all year round
Cyclamen are available almost year-round. To cover that period, growers need different bloodlines. As a result, there are many varieties in circulation with all kinds of own brands. The varieties are made specifically for a certain period of the year and the growing conditions that go with it. Certain varieties do well when grown in summer. In autumn, when there is less light, they will not do as well. Conversely, there are varieties that flourish in autumn but are too loose in summer and stretch the flowers too much.
Wide range thanks to our suppliers
Two major companies specialise in species and seed development. Morel is a family-owned company that has been innovating in Cyclamen breeding for more than a century. Morel creates, produces and sells the seeds of its F1 hybrids worldwide. The company breeds high-quality varieties with distinctive characteristics. Schoneveld Breeding has existed since 1930. We talk to them in detail later in this article. The seed is raised by other companies that sell the young plants to growers. The best known here are:
Beekenkamp, which has specialised in vegetable, pot and bedding plants, packs and chrysanthemums since 1951. Schneider Youngplants grows young plants from seeds and cuttings. The range includes annuals, biennials and perennials; pot plants and cut flowers. Vollebregt Cyclamen has specialised in the cultivation of Cyclamen since the 1970s. To cover this full range, we naturally need several growers. Our two main ones are John Grootscholten and Kees Preesman.
Economic and ecological added value
Schoneveld Breeding is a specialist in innovative and responsible plant breeding of Cyclamen, among others. Their main development criteria? Sustainable cultivation of flowering pot plants that add value both ecologically and economically. In this way, they contribute to the future for generations to come with new, sustainable plant genetics.
In developing those genetics, they consider the following traits:
• Heat tolerance: to make Cyclamen more resilient in a warming climate.
• Cold tolerance in cultivation: to reduce energy costs for growers.
• Moisture tolerance: to better cope with too much or too little moisture.
• Outdoor durability: many consumers do not know that cyclamen are also suitable for the garden or terrace. Under the ‘best for outdoor’ label, the strongest varieties can be marketed.
• Less resource use: by focusing heavily on genetics that require less inhibitors.
• Special flower drawings or colours.
By focusing strictly on the above characteristics in the breeding process, we get a genetically strong product that keeps for a long time and flowers uniformly. A plant distinguished by compact, round plant structure with many flowers on sturdy stems. By the way, did you know that every leaf is a potential flower? So Cyclamen with lots of leaves, automatically produce
lots of flowers.
Cyclamen: something for everyone
Cyclamen can be divided into groups according to flower size:
• Micro: for very small pot sizes (6-9)
• Mini: for small pot sizes (9-11)
• Midi: for the most common pot size in cyclamen (11-12)
• Large: for larger pot sizes (12-15)
• Extra large: for the largest pot sizes (15-19)
Within each pot size, there are Cyclamen in different colours. And the cultivation period can also differ. Variety rules, then.
To illustrate the range at grower Schoneveld:
• Micro/Mini Cyclamen: Verano (summer), Carino (autumn), Mini winter
Cyclamen brighten up any interior. And last even longer with these tips.
• Put them in a bright spot in the house, so not above the heating or in direct sunlight. A northor east-facing window is ideal.
• Cyclamen like cool temperatures. Between 10°C and 18°C is perfect.
• Cyclamen are sturdy drinkers. Keep the root ball moist but not too wet. Tip: put the plant on a saucer with water. On average, the Cyclamen will want to drink about three times a week. Also let the plant drain well after watering. Is the Cyclamen looking a bit limp? Time to water it.
• Regularly pick spent flowers including stems to
encourage the plant to produce new flowers.
• Add some plant food to the water every fortnight. This will keep the plant beautiful, fresh and flowering for a long time.
Outdoor care tips
Did you know that Cyclamen can also thrive outdoors? With these tips, they will bring even more colour and atmosphere to your garden or terrace.
• Choose Cyclamen that are suitable for outdoor use and carry a Best for Outdoor label. These varieties can best withstand elements like sun and rain. Even a light night frost will tolerate them.
• Do not put the Cyclamen in full sun.
• Make sure the root ball is and stays moist.
• Outdoor cyclamen also benefit from a little plant food every 3 weeks.
• Remove the spent flowers including the stalk.
• Large Cyclamen: (Leopardo (summer), Mammoth NextGen (autumn), Vintro (winter)
Tile out, green in
Have you heard of Paving tiles flipping? On page 34 you will learn all about it. As pioneers in horticulture, we, retailers and growers, have everything we need to meet this green revolution. Inspire your customers with plants that are fit to take the place of cement. Think Trifolium, Clematis, Passiflora, Wisteria ... Highlight sustainable ornamental cultivation and give a boost with care tips. Because a day without flipping, is a day without partying. So roll up your sleeves.
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The garden of the future
“Over 2 million gardens in Flanders are more than pleasing to the eye, they are part of the solution for the climate!” Speaking is Dirk Ballekens, director of the Belgian Garden Centres Association. He takes us step by step through the different solutions and the roles we in ornamental horticulture can use to make a difference for a greener future.
The garden as a source of energy
In the future, gardens will increasingly be used to produce green energy. Solar panels and heat pumps will be integrated to generate their own electricity. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to a sustainable energy supply.
Composting: waste as a valuable raw material
Composting is becoming an indispensable part of the garden of the future. By composting garden and kitchen waste, we improve soil quality and contribute to carbon storage in the soil. This process not only helps reduce waste, but also reduces CO2 emissions. And we save costs as the car journey to the recycling park is no longer necessary.
Carbon farming: storing carbon in the garden
This is related to the previous point. Carbon farming aims to extract as much CO2 as possible from the air through natural, biological processes and sequester it in the soil as carbon.
A bit of biology: The most important biological process on Earth is photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants use light, convert CO2 from the air into oxygen. The plants absorb the carbon (C) and the oxygen (O2 ) goes back into the atmosphere. Together with water (H2 O), the carbon (C) part is converted into roots, leaves, flowers, stems, tubers or fruits, or biomass. When we harvest plants, some of the carbon disappears. By smart gardening, you slow down that process and keep more CO2 in the soil. By mulching instead of scarifying where we put the humus (carbon) in the soil. Green cover crops also help increase carbon storage in gardens and thus reduce your carbon footprint.
Less stereotypical gardens, more biodiversity
A tight lawn is out of date. Today, flowery lawns are creating a beautiful scene . Not only do they contribute to biodiversity, they also support insect fauna and act as water buffers. Not to mention the mental effects of greenery.
But one thing is certain: as part of the green revolution, we need to rearrange and cultivate our gardens differently. So more plants that can withstand drought well and don’t need extra irrigation. We should also opt for natural control instead of phytoproducts. And if we mow, it is best to do so with a mulching robotic mower.
The garden as shade provider and cooler of heat islands
The more concrete, the more heat is retained. Many cities therefore have a hard time cooling down. Even at night. To keep the city liveable, we need more greenery and especially big trees. They cool the environment, capture particulate matter, store CO2 and improve liveability in urban areas.
Dirk Ballekens, irector of the Belgian Garden Centres Association
It is important that trees in the city have enough water. After all, they evaporate water through the stomata of their leaves. To do this, they use the sun’s energy during the day. Thanks to evaporation, the leaf surface cools down, which in turn cools the air flowing by and the surroundings. A street with trees can therefore easily be about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than a street without trees.
By the way, did you know that one big tree cools as much as ten air conditioners combined? That’s according to a study by Wageningen University & Research.
Another asset of trees? Because their roots reach deep into the ground, they absorb a lot of water after a heavy downpour. They also retain that moisture for a while, making planted soil dry out less quickly than paved soil.
The garden as water regulator
With increasing rainfall in winter and droughts in summer, gardens are becoming essential for water management. By slowing down water runoff and storing rainwater, gardens can help reduce water
Did you know?
The area of Flemish gardens is larger than the area of forests, and four times larger than our natural areas. Logically, gardens play a key role in the green transition.
scarcity in summer. Rain barrels and wadis are effective solutions to this problem.
In addition, wetlands in the garden not only help keep the environment cool, but also provide habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Thus, they act as reservoirs for endangered species and contribute to biodiversity.
Green roofs: high-level gardening
Green roofs are gaining in importance and that’s a good thing. For instance, they slow down water runoff, lower temperatures in summer and capture CO2 . Because these green roofs, also called multifunctional roofs, have an insulating effect, they contribute to energy savings. Again, the more green, the more biodiversity.
Side note: green roofs are more established in the Netherlands than in Belgium. The fact that subsidies are available in the Netherlands certainly has something to do with this . But guidance also plays a role. Because laying a green roof does require some expertise. So there is work to be done in Belgium.
Softening: tile out, green in
Did you know that Flanders is one of the most paved regions in Europe? No wonder we often suffer from flooding here. After all, the water has nowhere to go. That is why we embrace tile-flipping with both arms. This green trend breaks through concrete. Literally. Instead green spaces emerge that, among other things, improve water infiltration. Want to know more about the assets? also read the article on p. 34 ).
The short chain of the edible garden
Growing and harvesting your own vegetables. This trend has been on the rise for some time. Rightly so, because nothing is as healthy as home-grown food and the environment and your wallet benefit too.
The garden becomes more biodiverse
Global warming is also giving garden centres and nurseries a new function. Customers want a varied assortment that is not only climate-proof but also contributes to biodiversity. Governments are also encouraging this. In the future, your knowledge will weigh even more heavily. Which plants and trees are drought-resistant? How do I design my garden with trees that provide shade? And so on.
The garden as a lever for a better world
The future of our gardens is green and diverse. By embracing innovative practices and sustainable solutions, you as growers and retailers in ornamental horticulture can play a leading role in the climate and environmental revolution. Our gardens will not only be beautiful and functional, but also contribute to a more sustainable and liveable world. More green on the street means more oxygen in the mind. The garden as a buffer against the hectic pace of everyday life.
Citrus fruits until well after summer
Pamper your customers with a creamy sweet Limoncello. Made this way, with just two ingredients.
Recipe
You will need:
• 15 ±300 g lemon peels medium or 13 large organic lemons
• 1 l alcohol 96%
• 1½ l spring water
• 600 g organic granulated sugar
How to make it:
• Rinse the lemons and peel them with a peeler. Make sure you peel the yellow (the zest) and take as little white with you as possible, as the white makes the limoncello bitter. Put all the lemon peels in a preserving jar and add 1 l alcohol.
• Close it tightly and put the jar away in a cool, dark place for 4 weeks. Shake the preserving jar at least three times a week to allow the essential oils of the lemon peels to soak into the alcohol.
• 4 weeks later...
• Strain out the lemon peels, which will have hardened completely and given up their flavour
and essential oils to the alcohol. Collect the remaining alcohol juice. On low heat, mix the water with the sugar and let it dissolve. Let cool and carefully pour this into the alcohol juice. (Time for magic!)
• Stir through and then divide the limoncello between glass bottles that you can seal tightly and store the limoncello in the freezer. Enjoy! Drink in moderation.
Tip: don’t let anything go to waste and make lemon jam from the fruit waste.
Complete your decor with ornamental citrus trees. The fruits are not edible, but are eye candy.
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70 years of sustainable entrepreneurship
To mark 70 years of Floréac, our editors brought together the second-generation business leader, of the Floréac company, Etienne Floré, with current CEO An Vander Aa.
This led primarily to an engaging mutual acquaintance. Below, we report briefly on the thread of the conversation and how it connects Floréac’s past, present and future.
Etienne Floré and An Vander Aa had not yet met. Even though there is a generation between them, the click was there from the start. Passionate, but also deeply human. The conversation will show how closely their visions align.
Etienne Floré & An Vander Aa
Family values as a basis
Etienne Floré: “Family is an important value . Our family is very close-knit . Each family member with their own character, but everyone is equal. In fact, I find it very important that everyone is treated equally. It does not matter whether there is an employee, manager or customer in front of you. Equality is one of the three basic pillars that together make people happy. Besides equality, freedom and basic welfare are the two other pillars.
For me, money has never been an end in itself, but a means to set the company on a human course. In all the steps I have taken in my career, I have tried to combine the economic with the socio-human”
Corporate social responsibility
Meanwhile, An sits nodding in agreement. To what extent does she recognise herself in Etienne’s story? An Vander Aa: “I know both worlds. I have worked both in private equity environments where the emphasis is more on the economic anyway. And I have experience with family businesses. The big difference is in the management. Is money the ultimate goal? Or is it about being socially responsible in an economically responsible way. And especially the latter attracted me at Floréac.
What I’m curious about, though, is what was your role within sustainable business, Etienne? And how do you look to the future in that context?”
Etienne Floré: “Sustainability consists of several facets. From profitability, the people and the planet. A company is only at its strongest when there is interconnectedness. When people share similar values and pursue one goal with their noses in the same direction. That is about the business, the economic and about the human. About being proud of what you have achieved.
Sustainability is also about daring to throttle back. Floréac has also experienced difficult periods. In the past, for instance, we also grew too fast once. Through clear communication to all stakeholders and great commitment from employees, we got through that. Connectedness and equality, that is the basis of sustainability. It costs no money and starts with simple things. “Greeting each other in the corridor by first name, for example.”
“When we talk about a future vision for the planet, I hope we can as a global community evolve within 100 years into a social thinking and experience where the happiness of all people is the objective. Money then becomes a means rather than an end. Economics is at the service of people, rather than shareholders’ surplus value. Along with steering towards human happiness, guarding planetary boundaries is an important condition for having a liveable planet for future generations.
Reclaiming a rich past
The balance between economics and the human has attracted An from the first day she stepped in here. But there must be more reasons why she chose Floréac? An Vander Aa: “I did not know the sector at all. As a 15-year-old job student, I did put together flower arrangements in a florist’s shop. But that was all. When I came here for the first time, a little nostalgia overwhelmed me. But it was mainly the warm atmosphere that won me over. The peace within the hustle and bustle.
Because you have to remember that the pace is fast. But everyone knows exactly what to do. And it is done with the same drive. When six months ago the previous CEO left Floréac due to circumstances, I jumped ship. Because I very much believe in this company. We are experiencing challenging times, but there is so much potential. We need to look at the rich past, grab that back and shape the future from there.
Hearing Etienne’s story strengthens my conviction even more. We need to go back to the core. To the values we might have lost a bit due to a volatile period. The basics, how to offer our customer the best service, remain. But how we are going to do that, that will again be a compelling and engaging story.”
Can you say a bit more about how you see that as a CEO?
An Vander Aa: “One of the challenges is how we pass on today’s expertise and passion to the next generation. What we also need to be fully committed to is the digital transition.
I certainly don’t want to rush things but I do want to take decisions in the context of a nice perspective. Finally, I have only been working in the industry for two years and still have a lot to learn. And that’s why I want to be as close to the customers as possible. What do they need? What questions are they sitting with? And as with Etienne, sustainability remains a key driver. Sustainability in the sense that we have to continue our social commitment. It is our right to exist.”
A right to exist that has stood for 70 years. Are you going to do anything special with that?
An: “I’m going to honour that first and foremost. ‘Doing something with it’ sounds too commercial and that doesn’t fit Floréac’s DNA. But we are going to use it as momentum to show ourselves to customers and suppliers again and thank them too. Because without them, we wouldn’t have reached those 70 years. In addition, my dream is that everyone is proud to be a Floréac employee and gives the best of themselves here with gusto every day. This connection has made Floréac strong and also radiates to the customers.”
What do An and Etienne wish each other to conclude this double interview?
Etienne: “Looking at An, I have full confidence that the company is in good hands. I feel that she wants to work on that connection among the employees in the company, but also, in addition, on the right connection with customers and suppliers. She wants to steer Floréac from the knowledge of the market, to professionally and reliably fulfil our value for customers now and in the future. I wish her much happiness and satisfaction in the coming years.”
An: “That after such a fantastic story and beautifully filled life, Etienne may do whatever he feels like doing every day. And now that I have got to know him a little bit, I think he will do just that. I grant it to him wholeheartedly!”
October Pink: Anthuriums for Think Pink
In October, together with Karmaplants, we are offering beautiful Anthuriums. For every plant sold, we jointly donate €2 to ‘Think Pink’. This organisation is committed to breast cancer patients and their families by informing, funding research, supporting care and aftercare projects and defending patients’ rights.
Typical autumn: Meaningful earth
There is no planet B. If we are to survive, we must embrace it as a symbol of fertility. And as a connection to history. This theme expresses itself as a ‘primitive’ interior full of rough and rugged materials, minerals and stones. Inspire your customers with plants like Begonia Rex, Cambria, Anthurium Clarinervium. Earthy, pure plants without frills. What you see is what you get: earth in all its meanings.
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Flip out the tiles and save the climate
‘A day not flipped is a day not lived!’ Tile flipping is the green revolution of recent years. A simple but genius concept. In this article, we explore the origins of Tile Flipping, its impact and how we can embrace and promote this green trend.
Have you heard of Tile Flipping? If not, you have been living under a rock for the past few years. It started in 2020 as a playful competition between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, organised by Dutch creative agency Frank Lee and the collective Dus Wat Gaan Wij Doen (So, what are we going to do). The goal was simple but powerful: remove as many pavement tiles as possible and replace them with plants. A success as several cities followed suit and the initiative grew into a national movement in the Netherlands. During the NK Tegelwippen (National Championship Tile Flipping) , municipalities and cities compete to ‘flip’ the most tiles and win the Golden Tile.
In 2023, spurred on by the Flemish government’s Environment Department and Breekijzer vzw, Belgium also ventured into this green challenge. With success. This year, the BK and NK Tegelwippen will take place between March 21 and October 31. In the Netherlands, the Tegelteller (Tile counter) now stands at 2.059.433 tiles flipped. In Flanders at 364.381.
The impact of tile flipping
The game element is fun, but the initiative is mainly a gamechanger. People become aware of the importance of a greener environment.
More biodiversity
More plants and greenery creates new habitats for insects, birds and other animals. Thus increasing biodiversity, which is essential for healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Better water management
Replacing stones with greenery allows rainwater to seep into the ground better. This reduces the risk of flooding and reduces pressure on sewers.
Less heat stress
Green spaces help to reduce the heat island effect in cities. Plants and trees provide cooling and improve air quality, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.
Less stress
A recent study at KU Leuven conducted at MijnTuinlab shows that a biodiverse garden and more greenery in the neighbourhood is good for mental well-being. Incidentally, the effect also applies if neighbours have a biodiverse garden. An extra motivation to knock out the tiles.
Tile flipping as an opportunity for ornamental horticulture
More greenery on the streets means added value for you too. After all, you have the knowledge to advise and guide citizens in their purchasing behaviour. Here are some ways you can support and promote tile flipping:
Inspiring shop displays
Explain the concept of tile flipping in your shop with inspirational POS materials and show how customers can replace their own tiles with plants. Use eyecatching displays with examples of suitable plants that are perfect for urban gardens. You can order the POS material on our webshop.
Share care tips
Offer care tips for plants that are popular with tile flippers. This can range from information on watering
needs to advice on the best plant species for different types of soil and orientation.
Support projects
Work with local organisations and authorities to bring the tileflip projects to life. Consider demonstrations or certain discounts.
Tile out, put in these plants
Good news: lots of plants lend themselves to a tile garden. Of course, how many plants you plant depends on the number of tiles to be flipped and the position of the piece to be filled. Particularly suitable are these climbing plants: Clematis, Hedera, Passiflora, Wisteria, but also roses in their various forms (shrub roses, climbing roses, stem roses), perennials, grasses, bulbs. Above all, remember: the more flowering plants, the more attraction for pollinators.
Side note: not all plants suitable for a façade garden are available in our webshop during the autumn period. After all, they are not yet visual then.
Greening beyond borders
More greenery in public spaces is not only a trend in Belgium and the Netherlands. Similar initiatives are also emerging in other countries. German cities like Berlin and Hamburg are following the example of the Netherlands and Belgium. There are also subsidies for the construction of green roofs and façade gardens. In London, Pocket parks and façade gardens are ways to transform grey areas into green meeting places. French cities like Paris, in turn, are ambitiously pursuing urban
greening. Plans include vertical gardens, green schoolyards and promoting community gardening projects. Of course, greening is also high on the agenda in Scandinavia. Swedish cities, for instance, place a strong emphasis on sustainable urban design, including the expansion of green spaces. In many places, concrete is giving way to lawns and gardens.
Working together for a green future
Tile flipping is more than a trend: it is a movement towards a more sustainable and liveable urban environment. By working together and sharing our expertise in floriculture, we can make a significant contribution to this green revolution. Let’s join hands and guide our customers to take part in Tile Flipping. That way, we will build a greener future together, tile by tile. Is your tile flipping ready yet?
Play out the colours of foliage. Colourful ivy and other climbing plants that blur walls. Fatsia japonica, Heuchera, grasses, outdoor ferns and Sedums that make you forget the impending winter. Steady persistence. Colour bringers, but never exuberant. Let foliage in different shades and textures play a subtle game with their surroundings. Add depth and a hint of contrast. All nicely balanced with the rest of the garden.
HEUCMX-13A
CAALAMMI-11A
CACOFRCU-19A
CAOSEVER-SP26A
POPOJA-17A
PEADFIRE-19A
FAJAPO-30A
Snepvangers, under the spell of Skimmia for over
forty years
Autumn grey and dull? Not with a Skimmia from Nursery Snepvangers in the garden. More than forty years ago, the family business embraced this versatile ornamental shrub. A love that continues to bloom. You notice it in everything. By their ongoing quest for quality plants, by their customer service and by their care for each other and the world around.
Mark Boemaars & Stephan Snepvangers
Scoring with Skimmia
Co-owner Mark Boemaars chipped in at the nursery as a 13-year-old rookie. In fact, he never left. After some side hustles here and there, he has been Stephan Snepvangers’ right-hand man since 2015. With passion, he talks about the company and how it once began. “In 1983, Jan and Corrie Snepvangers, Stephan’s parents, founded the nursery. Jan soon had a knack of growing uniform batches in pots. A method that was not very well known, but it paid off. Because today, some 1.2 million plants leave the nursery every year. Fifty per cent of these are Skimmia japonica. We also grow other ornamental shrubs such as Pieris, Camellia, Leucothoe and Viburnum tinus. 70 per cent of our sales are concentrated in autumn, supplemented by some spring flowering shrubs like Forsythia, Prunus Pieris, Nandina and Camelia .”
One-stop shop for autumn
A very wide range for autumn. And that is also Snepvangers’ USP. Whereas many suppliers serve spring, Snepvangers gives colour to autumn. “We are known as a one-stop shop for our customers. At one address, they can buy a wide autumn assortment and that in almost all pot sizes. Customers also know they can expect the best quality from us. Thus, we propagate a large part of our products ourselves, the rest we get from suppliers with whom we have worked for years.”
“Floréac is closely involved in our operation. Our communication is open and straightforward. And I like that”
Mark Boemaars
Winter chameleon in the garden
Back for a moment to their flagship Skimmia. What makes this plant so special? “Its versatility. The male Skimmias have deep green leaves that colour beautifully in various warm hues in autumn, and the flower buds also surprise every time. Female Skimmias develop red berries in late autumn, making them very popular at Christmas time. And bees are also happy with the nectar from the berries in early spring. Moreover, they are strong plants that don’t require much care.”
Making the world a greener place together
Skimmia is a cold crop. Only in extremely cold weather, additional heating is needed. Less heating means less impact on the environment. Because that too is an important driving force at the nursery. “We have been working on sustainability for years. For instance, we collect rainwater and reuse it in cultivation. We extend that circular thinking to our flower pots, which are made of recycled material and at the same time are allowed in plastic waste. We only use biological methods for pest control. Because we still do a lot manually, we are close to our crops and can make proactive adjustments. We use bees
to pollinate our Skimmias. We are also proud of our certification, which includes MPS-A, MPS-GAP and MPS-SQ.
The most important thing in our company, are our employees. Just last week, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of an employee. And that says a lot. People are proud to work for us. We also show our face outside the walls of our company. For instance, we support local initiatives like the youth of the local football team and various other clubs for young and old in our neighbourhood.”
Lasting relationship with Floréac
Snepvangers therefore does not live on an island. Sustainable relationships with other suppliers
“Sustainability is also about our people. Just last week, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of an employee.
And that says a lot.”
Mark Boemaars
and customers are a priority for them. And the same goes for the cooperation with Floréac. “It is partly thanks to Floréac that we are able to grow. The power of cooperation: everyone knows clearly what we can expect from each other. Agreements are always kept. From both sides. For example, we will never trade directly with customers of our partners. Conversely, Floréac is closely involved in our operation. Our communication is open and straightforward. And I like that.”
Continue to grow
And then a look to the future. How does Mark see the nursery evolving? “The nursery is literally bursting at the seams and so there are plans for bigger and more innovative new buildings. Also to take that sustainability step even further. In line with this, we continue to refine our range with a focus on plants that are resistant to water and drought. It’s now that we have to do it: think about the next generation.”
What about that next generation, anyway. Is there one ready to take over the family business? “I have three young children, two daughters and a son, Stephan has two older sons. Stephan’s sons sometimes already work in the nursery, mine prefer to play among the plants or in the greenhouse for now and really like the chocolate milk in the canteen.” (laughs)
Meanwhile, we carry on with the fine team of people working here now. That’s what I do it for. Working among greenery and with people. You don’t find better, do you?”
Where? Molenschot (NL): 4 hectares of greenhouse cultivation and 3 hectares of outdoor cultivation.
What? Various species of Skimmia as well as Camelia, Leucothoe, Nandina, Pieris, Prunus, Syringa, Viburnum, among others. A total of 1.2 million saleable plants per year.
Employed? 20 to 25 permanent employees supplemented by job students.
Certificates? MPS-A, MPS-GAP and MPS-SQ.
Sales market? European (wholesale) trade, intermediaries and retailers . Some of our trade also goes overseas towards Japan and China.
Ode to the gardens of Beaulieu
The garden of a happy gardener Sébastien Moulin
In this magazine, we let Floréac employee Sébastien Moulin have his say. His passion? France, Provence and gardens. The combination of the three resulted in Les Jardins de Beaulieu.
“It all started in 1997. As a four-year-old lad, an enthusiastic kindergarten teacher allowed me to grow holm oaks. A revelation! Sowing, watering, watching them bloom and grow: my vocation was launched.
For the oak to blossom, you needed a big garden. And I had one. Or at least, my grandparents who were gardeners had one. They nurtured a special bond with nature. A passion they loved to share with me. One thing led to another.
The desire grew and with it the knowledge. An obsession almost. I had to and would collect the right plant species to redesign each garden. My guiding principle? Wonder, the same feeling that filled me as a child.
In 2012, I started working in several Provençal chateaux and became interested in the history of
French gardens.
With the help of my friends, I designed and created
Sebastien Moulin
the showpiece of the garden: a French kitchen garden. A traditional French style of kitchen gardening, often characterised by symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing designs, where vegetables, herbs and sometimes flowers are planted in neat beds.
In 2015, we decided to call the garden Les Jardins de Beaulieu, in reference to the neighbouring castle.
In 2020, when corona locked people up, I realised that the world was changing. There was a growing realisation that ecosystems needed to be protected
and preserved. And so we set up the garden as a biodiversity area protected by the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux (LPO).
Today, the 1.5-hectare garden provides a refuge for plant and animal species threatened with extinction. In the largest section, which is feral, they flourish in safety.
At the same time, the garden is a source of food, allowing us to enjoy a wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
Close your eyes, lay on the grass and dream away to the gentle chirping of the crickets ...”
New kids on the block
Houseplants : terrariums
Houseplants : Phalaenopsis
Gardenplants : Bouquet
COUPE-§GL118A
BARCELONA
LEMBONGAN
SPLIT
TRADE SHOWS 2024
UK Date
3 - 4 September 4 Oaks
10 - 12 September Glee
NETHERLANDS
Date Event
4 - 5 September Autumn Fair
2 - 4 October Groot Groen, boomkwekerij GrootGroenPlus, Zundert
