BVB SUBSTRATES MAGAZINE 2016
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE AT THE BVB COLLEGE
A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
‘YOU CAN ALWAYS LEARN FROM EACH OTHER, IF YOU REALLY WANT TO’
INTERVIEW WITH GUIDO LINDERS
PAGE 18
JOHAN VAN GELDEREN - EXPORT MANAGER
PAGE 6
THE PRODUCTION PROCESS FROM A TO Z
PAGE 54
1
FOREWORD BY GUIDO LINDERS
BVB COLLEGE
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
BVB LOGISTICS; A WORLD OF ITS OWN PAGE 12
THE MAIN MATTER
BVB FAVOURITES
PAGE 18
PAGE 24
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BVB SUBSTRATES & ROOF GARDEN SUBSTRATES PAGE 31
THE NEXT GENERATION SUBSTRATES
INTERVIEWS
PAGE 48
PAGE 34
COMBINING TRADE AND TRAVEL
GRILLED VEGETABLES
PAGE 54
PAGE 58 3
Bloom is published by BVB Substrates. This issue has been put together with care. However, BVB Substrates does not accept any liability for printing errors or omissions. Articles from this magazine may only be reproduced after consultation with BVB Substrates. Publisher BVB Substrates
FOREWORD
Chief Editor Marielle van Buuren
Dear Customer,
Editors
Our business is flourishing! And has done so for
Marjan de Groot
exactly 108 years. Many things have changed
Guido Linders
in that time, but others are still the same. For
Rein Donselaar
example, we are still a family business and we
Marielle van Buuren
are very closely involved with our customers,
Ron Janssen
employees, suppliers and the environment in which we live.
Final Text Rein Donselaar
Something else which has not changed is our ambition to grow. Growth is not an aim in itself,
Photography
but it is rather important if it helps you to be even
Sylvana Lansu, Joop van Reeken and Strack
better than you already are. And that is our goal! Every day, we work together with a team of
Image Processing
highly motivated employees to create beautiful
Strack
products which are the very foundation of growth itself. We always aim to supply you with the right
Design
product, at the right place and at the right time.
Strack
We would very much like to keep you informed of how we do that. We also want to share the passion
Translations
which motivates us to improve our products and
AgroLingua B.V.
processes time and again. However, in practice, this can sometimes get overlooked. That is why
Contact
we have put this magazine together with the
BVB Substrates
fitting title: “Bloom�!
P.O. Box 47 3155 ZG Maasland The Netherlands www.bvb-substrates.com
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In “Bloom” we’ll show you more of our company’s DNA: what motivates our employees, what new developments are being pursued by our Research and Development department and for whom do we actually make our products? We let our employees and customers have their say, share our favourite items and explain quantities and volumes. In this edition of “Bloom” you will also find inspiration for your home. For example, we give a recipe for a really delicious smoothie. I am very enthusiastic about this first edition which you are now looking at and I hope you enjoy reading it. Guido Linders Commercial Director, BVB Substrates
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THE PURPOSE OF BVB COLLEGE IS TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE SO THAT OUR CUSTOMERS CAN ACHIEVE A HIGHER RETURN BY USING OUR PRODUCTS INTERVIEW WITH GUIDO LINDERS, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR OF BVB SUBSTRATES
‘Managing a business runs in your blood and
for an established organisation. At that time,
always will. I come from a family of entrepreneurs.
BVB Substrates was still a vertically integrated
After finishing my education, I got the chance to
company. The company was operating under dif-
participate in running an orchid farm. However,
ferent flags. The corporate identity of BVB
after some time, I wanted to work in a more
Substrates was developed in 2008 and our
commercial environment. I got the chance to
customer bases were divided into sectors, namely
do that at Euroveen in Grubbenvorst, which is a
Horticulture, Mushrooms, Tree Nurseries, Retail,
production facility of BVB Substrates. I started
Landscaping and Soft Fruits. The advantage is that
working there in 1996 as a sales representative
our teams are in close contact with the customers
and I was encouraged to develop myself. So, I was
and are able to provide the right advice specific to
still associated with entrepreneurship, I just did so
their sector.
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BVB COLLEGE BVB Substrates distinguishes itself through qual-
offer master classes about substrates. In the
ity and service. These two aspects form a focal
specially designed class room at our facility in
point of the company. In the last number of years,
Euroveen, experienced professionals give
the competencies of knowledge and innovation
master classes about substrates to BVB Sub-
have become more and more important. Knowl-
strates’ customers. BVB College offers added
edge is both an important and a binding factor. It
value. We are convinced that growers who have
increases our transparency and strengthens ties
received training look differently at substrates and
with our partners. Because of our aim of sharing
are able to form an objective opinion as to which
knowledge and experience with our customers, we
substrate is the most suitable for their product.
decided to set up the BVB College and, in conjunc-
Last but not least, BVB Substrates aims to help
tion with HAS University of Applied Sciences, we
growers to achieve a higher return.
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BVB COLLEGE FOR EXPORT Complete training weeks are also organised for agents and dealers from abroad. The master classes about substrates are then linked to various working visits, during which we show people how to put theory into practice. Attention is paid here to the Horticulture, Mushrooms, Soft Fruits and Tree Nursery sectors. This provides agents and dealers with more, in-depth knowledge about substrates. As a result, they are able to give their customers even better advice and they can enter even better into discussion with us. Yet another advantage is that we get to know each other much better during a training week. This means that we get to hear what is happening to our dealers’ customers at grass roots level and we learn how we can anticipate to their wishes. BVB Substrates makes a difference to quality at all levels of the business. Customers who take part in the BVB College training days will experience the difference for themselves.
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BVB SUBSTRATES PRODUCES
FOR SIX SECTORS 37%
34%
13%
8%
5%
3%
HORTICULTURE
GARDENING
MUSHROOMS
SOFT FRUITS
TREE NURSERY
LANDSCAPING
2,350,000M
3
IN EUROPE, 20 MILLION M3 SUBSTRATES ARE USED ANNUALLY 01
02
03
04
1. Generation
2. Generation
3. Generation
4. Generation
YEAR 0
YEAR 108
WE WORK ALONG WITH 235 EMPLOYEES TO CREATE THE BEST PRODUCT
EVER SINCE
1908 108 YEARS
10
85 BVB SUBSTRATES
SUPPLIES CUSTOMERS IN
GLOBAL DEALER NETWORK WITH SALES OFFICES IN THE USA, AUSTRALIA & CHINA
COUNTRIES
FOUR PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN THE NETHERLANDS: DE LIER, GRUBBENVORST, HARDENBERG & DRACHTEN SALES OFFICES IN EUROPE: THE NETHERLANDS, GERMANY AND SPAIN.
PRODUCTION
16 LOADERS
2,200,000M3
37 FORKLIFT TRUCKS
WE USE 72 LORRIES TO TRANSPORT RAW MATERIALS AND DELIVER THEM TO OUR CUSTOMERS 11
THE LOGISTICAL WORLD OF BVB SUBSTRATES
DOUWE VAN BUUREN: ‘LOGISTICS ARE LIKE TOP SPORT’ The transport of our products is a very important side of the business at BVB Substrates. Accurate, quick and as efficient as possible. BVB Logistics handles part of the transport for BVB Substrates on a daily basis. BVB Logistics continuously works on innovations
Eighty per cent of the raw materials for BVB
and efficient means of transport. Every day, a fleet
Substrates is delivered in bulk in sea containers.
of modern trucks transports both pre-packed and
Short sea connections are the most important
bulk products for BVB Substrates. BVB Logistics’
logistical connections for BVB Substrates. The
trucks have a number of facilities such as walking-
company has its own trans-shipment terminals
floor trailers, transporters with tail gates,
in the ports of Schiedam and Vlaardingen, as well
containers for dispensing, silos, dispense trailers
as unloading locations in Venlo. Consequently, the
and tipper trailers.
raw materials which are delivered from a large number of countries are extremely efficiently transported.
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DOUWE VAN BUUREN AND TRANSPORT
essential. Thanks to BVB Logistics, BVB Substrates
BVB Logistics was set up in 2010. Douwe van
can respond adequately to the peaks and falls in
Buuren is Managing Director of Logistics &
the logistic process.’
Production at BVB Substrates. He is jointly responsible with Jaap and Dirk Vreeken for BVB
Logistics keep moving 24/7 and you need to be
Logistics. Douwe van Buuren: ‘When I was a child,
ready for all scenarios. The strong point of our
I used go for a ride with Jaap Vreeken in one of
logistics is the fact that we are able to combine
the trucks taking substrates to places such as
transports. Thanks to well-organised planning,
Belgium. It’s really unique that we have known
our own fleet of trucks and drivers with a thorough
each other for so long and that we are now working
knowledge of their work, we are able to deliver
together. We can almost communicate through
high-quality work at a reasonable price. Our drivers
telepathy. In the hectic world of transport that feels
are all experienced professionals. They have good
very reassuring.’
business sense, keep their appointments, are flexible and expert in administration. They are
BVB Substrates always pays attention to
ambassadors for the company. In the horticulture
efficient means of transport and the organisation of
and vegetable sectors, you need to be on time and
the logistic process, making sure that the customer
offer excellent service. I can safely say that we do
is satisfied. Douwe van Buuren: ‘What we offer is
just that. Logistics keep on moving. That makes
speed and excellent service, which is absolutely
this work so exciting.’
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‘THANKS TO HAVING OUR OWN TRANSPORT BRANCH, WE ARE ALWAYS QUICK TO DELIVER SUBSTRATES CUSTOMISED FOR THE CUSTOMER’
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Ever since he was a very young boy, Douwe van
PARTNER OF SHELL FUELSAVE
Buuren has loved cars. Douwe van Buuren:
In the area of sustainable enterprise, BVB Substrates
‘I always knew that I would study at the Institute
makes use of the fuel management system of
for the Automotive Business after finishing high
Shell FuelSave Partner, for its logistic process.
school. Having finished my studies, I began selling
This is an excellent means of identifying fuel
trucks and set up my own business, Van Buuren
savings, costs are transparent and, by using this
Trucks. About six years later, a job came up in the
system, BVB Substrates works actively to promote
production department of BVB Substrates.
economical driving. In fact, Shell Fuelsave also
Considering I was still very closely involved with
registers and reduces CO2 emissions.
BVB Substrates, I went into the family business. I soon took on responsibility for the logistic
QUALITY MARK
process, as well as production. Setting up our
BVB Logistics has a quality mark certificate
own transport business in 2010 was a very good
issued by the Transport & Logistics authority of
move. This mainly led to improvements in the
the Netherlands. Companies which have received
quality and efficiency of the logistics branch of BVB
this quality mark fulfil stringent demands for
Substrates. At the moment, BVB Logistics has a
operational management, internal processes,
fleet of 50 trucks. We take care of the maintenance
communication, sustainability and other aspects
of our trucks ourselves. BVB Substrates has its
related to corporate social responsibility. Douwe
own workshop and washing station for its logistics
van Buuren: ‘At BVB Substrates we do our very
branch, situated on the industrial estate. Hygiene
best to be able to supply our customers quickly.
is a focal point for BVB Substrates. Substrate
We are service-minded, flexible and reliable. This
transportation is a finely-tuned process. It is just
alone means that we offer services of the very
like baby food. It may not contain anything which is
highest quality. In that respect, transport really is
potentially hazardous.’
top sport!’
From left to right: Dirk and Jaap Vreeken 16
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THE MAIN MATTER When you enter the BVB Substrates’ premises in De Lier, you are immediately impressed. The eleven production areas, which take up a space of nine hectares, are all full. Douwe van den Berg’s work space consists of mountains of different types of raw materials. Douwe has a hands-on mentality and loves working at the most practical level. He has worked for BVB Substrates for thirteen and a half years.
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Douwe van den Berg: ‘Every day about 2,500 m3
desired consistency. The homogenised substrate
substrates are sent out. The raw materials, which
is then loaded into the lorry which will deliver it to
mainly come from Germany, Poland, Latvia and
the customer. For each delivery, a sample is taken,
Sweden are brought by bulk carriers to Vlaardingen
then checked in the lab and subsequently retained
and Schiedam and then delivered to BVB Substrates
sealed. The aim is to ensure quality. A great deal
in De Lier. After being unloaded, the raw materials
of the products is packed, ranging from five m3 bags
are transported internally and discharged in the
to between five and 70 litre packages with the
covered production areas. This makes the most
customer’s own logo. In the high season, the pack-
efficient use of the available space. White peat or
aging department is very busy. At that time the staff
sphagnum, black peat, turf and coir products
work in shifts. The high season lasts from about
are the main components of substrates. The
the end of January until June. During these months,
production process is a careful balancing act. Stocks,
millions of bags are produced and every day about
procurement, orders and stock management need
40 or 50 trucks leave the premises. BVB Substrates
to be coordinated and of course everything must be
is a great company to work for. You have a free hand
delivered to the customer as fast as possible.
to run the department to the best of your ability and this gives you a big sense of responsibility. You are
MIXING LINES
working with a natural product and that is something
In the production area, the substrates are mixed by
I really enjoy.’
the three mixing lines. During the mixing process, various raw materials, fertilisers and other nutrients are added and the substrates are processed to the
Douwe van den Berg, production manager at BVB Substrates in De Lier.
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The raw materials, in this case black peat, are shipped from various countries, discharged in the bunker, then lifted and transported to the right section in one of the production areas.
Loaders transport the soil to the mixing line.
On the mixing lines, various extra materials,
The additives are registered and a record is kept in
such as lime and fertilisers, are added to the
the order processing system.
raw material. The soil is sieved and mixed. Every customer and every nursery demands its own customised type of soil.
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Bark, sphagnum, black peat ... all raw materials for substrates are deposited in one of the eleven production areas situated on nine hectares of ground which belong to BVB Substrates in De Lier. The bark pictured in this photo is used by orchid nurseries.
Storage of peat sods. These are cut and crushed into pieces.
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This machine presses the soil in bales of around four cubic metres. The soil is then loosened again and processed by the customer.
The packaging department plays a significant role in the production process. For a lot of customers, BVB Substrates packs potting soils into the customer’s own branded packing. At the production facility in De Lier, about two million bags are packed and transported to the customer during the high season. 23
01 FAVOURITE
TREACLE WAFFLES
We are a real Dutch company and proud of it. When we go on a business trip, we always take treacle waffles with us as a gift for our customers. At trade fairs, too, we also traditionally serve treacle waffles with coffee or tea. A treacle waffle is actually a syrup waffle. These are often eaten in the Netherlands. They consist of two rounds of baked batter with a diamond pattern, with a caramel-like syrup filling in the middle. After they have been baked, the batter is sliced through the middle. One half is spread with syrup and the other half is then placed on top. Treacle waffles originally had a diameter of about 10 cm, but nowadays they are also available in diameters of between 5 cm and 25 cm. Treacle waffles were first made in Gouda at the beginning the nineteenth century. From 1870 onwards, Gouda’s treacle waffles were made in other places besides Gouda.
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02 FAVOURITE
BLUE We are very fond of the colour blue and we have pleasant associations with this colour. Blue stands for reliability, expertise, business acumen, tranquillity and integrity. BVB Blue is officially Pantone 289. Pantone is the name of a company which publishes colour codes. The codes used by Pantone Matching System have been clearly defined by all parties in the design and production processes. The very first publication of 1963 was produced with graphic designers, printers and their colour techniques in mind. Nowadays, the catalogue has been enhanced with electronically created colours for use on the computer screen. Originally, 500 colours were numbered starting with PMS 100. Later, fluorescent colours and light-resilient, non-mixable colours were added. 1991 saw the introduction of the colour Pantone 1000, one of 1012 colours. The current list with 1114 colours was published in 2000.
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03 FAVOURITE
SPONSOR
SHIRT
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BVB Substrates sponsors various sports teams for young people. We do this because we consider it important to keep young people off the streets and recognise how important exercise is. Preferably in a team and outdoors in the fresh air. This contributes to healthy growth and development. Sport would not be available for all children without the hard work of volunteers and without sponsorship.
04 FAVOURITE
TEKNO
BVB Substrates has its logo on a lot of trucks.
and Kalanchoe flowers. Which is your favourite?
Everything from huge trucks to miniatures. Every
Send us an e-mail and maybe you will be the proud
trailer for BVB Substrates is different. They feature
owner of a genuine Tekno. Teknos are high-quality
illustrations advertising our customers’ end products:
scale models at a scale of 1:50 and they are made
flowers, plants, vegetables, fruit and trees. So,
by Maarten van Buuren’s company. Maarten is Mart
there are trailers sporting an orchid, vine tomatoes,
van Buuren’s son.
blueberries, strawberries, mushrooms, lettuce
www.tekno.nl
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05 FAVOURITE
FAMILY
BVB Substrates is a family company. When he was about 18 years old, Mart van Buuren started working for his father, Bas van Buuren. Ever since, he has been a key figure in our great company. In September 2015 we celebrated his 50th anniversary in the presence of 475 collegues and their partners.
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06 FAVOURITE
RASPBERRIES
Our favourite fruit is the raspberry. Raspberry
er things, substrates for cultivating raspberries. In
plants, or Rubus idaeus, are members of the rose
January of every year, we organise the International
family. Raspberries grow wild throughout Europe,
Soft Fruit Conference which includes a range of
especially in open areas of woods and at the edge
presentations covering many different aspects of
of woodland. Of course raspberries are also grown
the soft fruit industry.
under glass. BVB Substrates supplies, among oth-
www.softfruitconference.com
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GREEN ROOF SYSTEM ULTIMATE ADDED VALUE FOR A CITY Joeri Faas is a sales representative and adviser. He talks enthusiastically about ‘his’ department - Landscaping. ‘In the Landscaping sector, we focus mainly on large projects and we supply substrates for roof gardens, sports fields, golf courses and parks. BVB Substrates has been producing substrates for public and urban green spaces since 1975. In the present day, BVB Substrates is one of the Netherlands’ market leaders in the production of high-quality substrates. Our range includes Tree Sand, Tree Soil, Tree Structure, Tree Granules, Dress Ground, and soils used for cultivating beech trees and for semi-hardened surfaces, and Roof Garden substrates.’
A GREEN URBANSCAPE In recent years, BVB Substrates has been a
crops on roof gardens: urban farming. Annelies
major supplier for roof gardens on top of buildings,
Kuiper, the so-called ‘Roof farmer’ from Haarlem
sheds, multi-storey car parks and dwellings in the
in the Netherlands, is a living example. She helps
Netherlands. Because cities are becoming busier
people to create kitchen gardens on a roof. I see
and busier, resulting in less room for green spaces,
this as a fantastic initiative. We notice that councils
a lot of municipal authorities have been looking at
have shown less interest due to the economic
ways to create green spaces above ground level.
problems of the past few years. Roof gardens are
Green roofs on buildings, sheds, multi-storey car
certainly expensive: they cost roughly €40 to €120
parks and dwellings are no longer an exception.
per m2. Furthermore, the market has changed.
Additional advantages of roof gardens are the
More companies supply substrates and the price is
longer service expectancy of the roof, an improvement
being subjected to increasing pressure.
in the environment because CO2 emissions and particulate matter are captured by the roof, a
BVB Substrates has supplied different types of
slower rate of drainage which is better for the
green roof substrates for a number of years now.
sewage system, an increase in the value of the
A factor which can sometimes make construction
property, lower room temperatures in the summer
difficult is the type of roof, for example: a sloping
and more biodiversity in the city. Furthermore,
roof, a straight roof, a roof patio and water roofs.
roof gardens add scenic quality to the city, they
These types of roof need to be equipped with
can serve as extra leisure space when they are
special systems if they are to have a long life
combined with a roof patio, and they improve the
span. The type of roof also determines which
quality of soundproofing. Joeri: ‘You see that more
type of substrate needs to be supplied. Therefore,
and more municipal authorities and property owners
an extensive substrate is used for an extensive
are becoming aware of the advantages of roof
roof garden, a roof garden planted with sedum
gardens. More green spaces in a city contribute to
or herbal plants. An intensive substrate is used
a better living environment, which in turn helps to
for intensive roof gardens, or roof patios and roof
improve the health of the city’s residents.’
parks. Complete layers of substrates between 70
According to researchers, ‘green urban land-
and 120 cm thick are laid to facilitate the growth of
scapes’ can reduce depression and criminality. At
shrubs, perennial plants and even trees.
the moment, there is a trend for people to grow
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My work is part of this entire project. You work
In the past year, BVB Substrates has collaborat-
together with several different groups to produce
ed with Knauf to develop their own product for
something very nice which enhances the living
use in Extensive roof gardens: Urbanscape. This
environment. I regard the roof park on top of the
complete system for roof gardens is attractive for
Tax Office building in Groningen, North-Holland,
the customer who wants to lay out a roof garden.
as the perfect example of a successful project
Urbanscape consists of a ready-made system of
for which BVB Substrates has supplied the roof
drainage, substrate and sedum plants.
garden substrate. Several groups worked together on this project. The substrate which is supplied
It is constantly a challenge to bring in an order.
must comply with a number of conditions. A roof
Indeed, because these projects continue for long
garden must be able to last for between 30 and 50
periods, I am regularly in close contact with
years. The substrate must comply with conditions
councils and project developers. A lot of time
laid down in fixed guidelines. The substrate must
and energy must be invested in these relation-
be a constant stable factor. That also applies to
ships if they are finally going to lead to getting an
the substrate which is used for planting trees
order. I always enjoy being involved in laying out
and other plants in an urban landscape. The soil
parks and enhancing cityscapes. A lot of different
beneath the trees and plants must be of such a
materials are gathered together and this involves
constant and stable quality that they can withstand
a lot of work in planning and transport, as well as
pressure of passing heavy traffic. Specific product
ensuring quality. In the end, what matters is the
knowledge is essential for this and BVB Substrates
complete picture. Being part of that still gives me
has the right knowledge, thanks to years of
a great deal of job satisfaction.’
experience and continuous development of their products. BVB Substrates is continually developing.
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“A relationship based on mutual trust.” MR. CHAN SHIK PARK, OWNER / DIRECTOR, BVB HORTI SOUTH KOREA
Sixty-nine-year-old former civil servant Mr. Park
Mr. Park tells us about one family who had left
founded BVB Horti nine years ago, after retiring
the city to set up a strawberry farm, initially growing
from his job with the South-Korean government.
strawberries the traditional way, in open field. For
The company specialises in supplying products
several years they persevered, yet failed to get
of BVB Substrates to Korean fruit and vegetable
good results with this method. By pure chance
growers.
they met Mr. Park, who was able to advise them on the high-bed system and the benefits of BVB
It all started with a football match. As part of
Substrates. The family are now doing very well
his government job, Mr. Park regularly took
indeed and have become great fans of BVB
delegations of South-Korean farmers to Holland
Substrates and ambassadors for BVB products in
to learn about the latest industry practices. On one
their region. In his mission to introduce fruit and
of these trips, back in 2000, a football match was
vegetable growers in South-Korea to the superior
arranged between Korean paprika growers and
quality of BVB growing media and provide general
their Dutch hosts. It was here that Mr. Park first
support and advice, Mr. Park travels up and down
met Johan van Gelderen from BVB Substrates.
the country, sometimes 600 miles in a day. But,
After the match they got talking and have stayed in
says Mr. Park, being able to help growers in his
contact ever since. Their connection eventually led
country achieve better results and seeing their
to Mr. Park’s setting up BVB Horti in 2006.
happy faces as their businesses thrive, makes it all worthwhile. And equally rewarding is his close,
Mr. Park offers more than just growing media
long-standing partnership with BVB Substrates,
and other products related to soft fruit farming.
which he describes as a relationship based on
Strawberry growers in Korea have only recently
mutual trust.
adopted high-bed cultivation and expertise in this method is still in its infancy. Through BVB Horti,
Asked why he chose BVB Substrates as his
Mr. Park has been able to help South-Korean fruit
favoured supplier, Mr. Park replies confidently:
farmers come to grips with the new system and
“Because products of BVB Substrates are the
many of his customers report significant increases
best. Some say the price is a bit higher than
in productivity since switching to BVB Substrates.
others, but I always explain that the benefits of BVB products far outweigh the extra cost.”
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“Consumers are also increasingly asking for good quality potting soils.”
PETER BROERS - MANAGING DIRECTOR AND OWNER OF BOERS GARDEN CENTRE
‘We work with potting soils on a daily basis. So I
our garden centre. So, all the personnel are on the
know what I mean when I talk about potting soils.
work floor, or the shop. There is always something
The difference isn’t hard to see. The soil from BVB
going on here. That is important for a garden centre.
Substrates feels nicer and lighter and is of better
It should always have a friendly atmosphere.
quality. You pay a little more, but it pays for itself.
You need to create that feeling. We took that into
If a plant doesn’t grow well in a potting soil, the
account when we started constructing our new
customer is not satisfied. These days, we sell
premises. We opened when the economic crisis
Jardino potting soils by BVB Substrates in our
had already started. In November 2013, the last
garden centre. They are now also geared towards
phase was just being completed. The completion
the consumer market. There is increasing demand
fell at the same time as the nomination for
from consumers for good potting soils - Jardino
the best garden centre in the Netherlands. We
by BVB Substrates is a good initiative.‘ He has
never expected that we would win! Of course, it
been working with plants since he was 18. The Boers
was great to come in first place in the whole of the
Garden Centre started off as a sideline of his parents’
Netherlands at the same time as the opening of
nursery.‘ My mother sold the plants which we grew
our new premises. There is never a dull moment.
and business just kept getting better. Boers
Take for example the changing seasons. Our range
Garden Centre sort of started by itself. Actually,
changes every season, too. That’s when you notice
our garden centre has always been successful.
how much the customers enjoy it, and that is of
We offer a wide range, fair prices and good service.
course what you are aiming for. A satisfied
Those three aspects need to be up to scratch.
customer also means a satisfied businessman.’
An independent businessman has to go the full mile , otherwise he won’t be successful. I find it important that people can see what is happening in
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“We need to be able to deliver at any moment of the day.” SJRAAR HAENEN , MANAGER AT PLANTAZ
He hasn’t been working very long as manager
A LIGHT AND AIRY MIXTURE
at the tree nursery Plantaz, but it is obvious that
You can imagine that the potting soils in which
he is really at home there. Before coming to
we cultivate our high-quality trees, bushes and
work at Plantaz, Sjraar Haenen had worked as a
plants need to be of excellent quality. Because we
researcher at Wageningen University for 18 years.
work with a wide range of tree nursery products
At the tree nursery Plantaz, he has his ‘feet back
in different pot sizes from 20 litres to 230 litres, it
on the ground’. That’s just how he likes it. Sjraar
is important to work with a mixture that is as light
Haenen: ‘What could possibly be better than being
and airy as possible, so that the products do not
able to watch things grow at close quarters? As
get too wet. On the other hand, water must not be
manager, I am also responsible for the personnel.
able to drain out of the mixture too quickly. BVB
It is always a challenge to put just the right people
Substrates gave us excellent guidance during our
in the right place. That’s by no means easy in a
search for the best type of soil. Potting soils by
busy company such as this.’ For the past 11 years,
BVB Substrates perfectly suit our needs for a good
Plantaz tree nursery has offered a broad range
growing medium. We get supported where
of solitary plants. The size of this company which
necessary by BVB Substrates’ representative, Jan
covers an area of ten hectares and the diversity of
Dirksen, who also keeps us informed about any
its products give it an almost unique position in the
new developments. The results of using good potting
market. Its strength lies in the expanding range
soils can clearly be seen in our final products.
and continuous innovation. The products are culti-
Furthermore, BVB Substrates are excellent in
vated for customers who are involved in this niche
transport, which is very important for our tree
market, especially abroad, such as architects and
nursery. In days gone by, you simply bought a
designers of gardens and parks. Sjraar Haenen:
product, these days, there is close contact at every
‘There is a big demand for our products in Asia,
stage of the cultivation process. Take for example,
Eastern Europe and in Scandinavia. Regularly, foreign
the BVB COLLEGE. I have followed the first series
customers visit us and request a specific type of
of lessons and I am very pleased with them. It is a
tree. We try to cultivate special, characteristic
good way to increase your professional expertise
solitary plants which give an accent to a planted
and it is pleasant to experience the interaction
area. The products which we sell are fully grown.
between growers, suppliers and know-how providers.
This means that a garden or park is complete as
Thanks to BVB College, I have begun to look more
soon as it has been laid.
critically at our own product.’
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“Thanks to the team effort, customers receive everything according to order.”
CARLOS NAVARRO HERVÁS, DEALER SPAIN Carlos Navarro Hervás is 43 years old. He works for BVB Substrates and is responsible for the Spanish branch of the company. He lives in Valencia, a pleasant city situated on the east coast of Spain. His career with BVB Substrates began in 2008. He first learned about BVB Substrates through his work for a Spanish company in Valencia which had contacts with BVB’s team and products. The main reason for his move to BVB Substrates was the
first-hand contact with nature, and also with the
company’s pleasant working atmosphere, which
company’s new products, facilities and innovations.
is characterised by the friendliness, reliability,
This gives him the chance to experience how the
transparency and helpful attitudes of its staff. BVB
organisation works from the ground up.
Substrates may be a big company, but it fosters a strong feeling of loyalty among its members of
One disadvantage of the large customer-base,
staff, who feel that their input is greatly appreci-
which covers a wide area, is the fact he sometimes
ated. The company aims to produce excellence in
has to travel long distances to visit customers.
both its products and its people.
He usually travels alone. Therefore, it is always a pleasant change when he acts as host to his BVB
Carlos is driven and active in his work: “My main
colleagues from abroad.
tasks are selling substrates and casing soils produced by BVB Substrates, as well as selling
Carlos and his family attended a BVB event for the
pots and plastic trays produced by the Dutch
first time four years ago. His two daughters, who
firm, Modiform. Furthermore, I prepare orders in
were then five and ten years old, look back on the
liaison with my colleague, Mathieu Geurts, who
experience with great pleasure. Everything - the
always goes the extra mile to fulfil the customer’s
factory, the landscape and the people - was new
every need. Thanks to the team effort, customers
and interesting for the family. They certainly had a
receive everything according to order and the
great time.
process can begin once more.” Despite the distance from BVB’s head office, Carlos is enthusiastic about his work and especially
Valencia is about 2,000 miles from the Netherlands,
enjoys working with people and visiting the fields
Carlos feels that he is a fully-fledged member of
and greenhouses. No two days are ever the same.
the BVB family.
He derives a great deal of satisfaction from fieldwork, because it gives him the opportunity of
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42
“The world is full of people who say what they are going to do but not so full of people who do what they say. Luckily, BVB Substrates belongs to the last category.”
PIET OOSTHOEK, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND OWNER OF OOSTHOEK BUILDING, MECHANISATION AND GREENKEEPING COMPANY
He has been working in the sector for many years
both cultivation and infrastructural viewpoints.
and, as Piet Oosthoek says himself, he is still too
We have had a relationship with BVB Substrates
young to stop. In 1975, he started his contracting
for 25 years now. Throughout the years, you
business and his first job was to plant 60,000 trees
definitely notice the effect of good quality soil for
in the Overbos, a wood in Vlaardingen. ‘I didn’t
cultivation. For example, we started laying out golf
want to work for anyone else any more. I bought
courses in 2000. Golf courses have specific needs.
a tractor and I started off working in earthworks
For example, the grass must be mowed at a height
and green areas.’ The first job set the ball rolling.
of 4mm whereas a football pitch must be mowed at
Piet now has a workforce of 28 employees and
a height of 3.5 cm. As you can imagine, the type of
apprentices. ‘The majority of our work is in the
ground needs to be optimal, especially as regards
green, ground and infrastructure sectors. For
the uptake of nutrients. Thorough research is
example, sports fields such as hockey pitches,
carried out beforehand. In my view, quality is more
football pitches, tennis courts and golf courses,
important than price. BVB Substrates is, therefore,
but we also get renovation jobs.
the very best. Business is top sport. You need to move with the times and continue to innovate. We
We carried out work at the Kleijburg Golf Course
now use a sustainable fertilisation programme for
and did the refurbishment of the Van Leeuwen-
golf courses. I enjoy it. It’s important not to stand
bergh Golf Course for the municipal council in The
still. No, I’m not finished yet.’
Hague. In our work, we need the best possible type of soil that satisfies the right requirements, from
43
“Innovation in my field, nothing can top that!”
AAD VREUGDENHIL, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT VREUGDENHIL KALANCHOE GROWERS
‘I didn’t know anything about Kalanchoe potplants.
Substrates is outstanding. They do not simply sell
We used to grow Chrysanthemums and miniature
substrates. They also analyse things such as soil
Cymbidiums. In 1986, we stopped growing Cymbidiums
samples via BVBA, Bas van Buuren Substrates
because the market was becoming a supply
Analysis. This produces the right advice about
market. At that time, we started cultivating the
fertilisers. Another example of excellent guid-
relatively new Kalanchoe flower, Blosfeldiana.
ance is the visit by Jaco Dijkshoorn and Johan van
We were looking for a reliable supplier with the
Gelderen of BVB Substrates to PT Florion in Java
right, high-quality substrate for our 10.5 cm
where our shoots are cultivated. By doing so,
potsand we opted for Bas van Buuren and BVB
they are able to give customised advice. Soil
Substrates. In those days, the soil was discharged
samples are included with the incoming stock once
in bulk, later in crates measuring 1 m and these
every four weeks. These are analysed by BVBA and
days they unload the potting soil into the bunker
the people in Java can ensure that the right fillings
on site. At the start, things were difficult. We still
are in the planters. This guarantees the quality of
needed to find out how the plants grew best and on
the cuttings. I am always looking at innovations.
which substrate. We received excellent guidance
This ensures that the business remains competi-
from BVB Substrates and worked together to find
tive in the market. You have to move with the times.
the best solution. BVB Substrates always look for
That’s what I like best about this business. If you
the most sustainable solutions and for innovations
want to function properly, you simply need to love
which are the best for the cultivation process.
your work. I still feel happy every day when I see
Not only do they offer guidance in the field of
the lovely plants that we cultivate.’
2
substrates, they also look at the aspect of corporate social responsibility. The advice given by BVB
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45
MAKE A HEALTHY GREEN SMOOTHIE WITH STRAWBERRIES AND SPINACH: WATERMELON FRESCA
RECIPE 2 CUPS OF FRESH SPINACH 1 CUP OF WATER 1½ CUPS OF WATERMELON 1½ CUPS OF STRAWBERRIES 1CM OF FRESH GINGER
WASH AND PEEL THE INGREDIENTS. PLACE THEM IN A BLENDER OR PUREE THEM WITH A HAND BLENDER. POUR THE SMOOTHIE INTO GLASSES AND GARNISH WITH PIECES OF STRAWBERRY. ANYTHING LEFT OVER? IF REFRIGERATED, THE SMOOTHIE WILL KEEP FOR TWO DAYS. IT IS ALSO SUITABLE FOR FREEZING!
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48
THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUBSTRATES RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AT BVB SUBSTRATES
49
BVB SUBSTRATES AND SUSTAINABILITY Guido Linders, Commercial Director BVB Substrates: ‘Environmentally-friendly production is essential for the future. We cannot continue to use raw materials and consumables without giving anything back to the earth. In spite of nature’s ability to restore itself, the earth is not inexhaustible. Many research programmes have proven that, if our society carries on in the same way, this will lead to a shortage of raw materials for future generations. Furthermore, there is still too much being wasted and that is a great shame. I believe that sustainability must play a great role in every branch and in every business. Businessmen and managers need to set an example.’
CSR POLICY Environmentally-friendly production has always
Sustainability programme. The most important
played an important role at BVB Substrates. We
task for this new employee is drawing up a CSR
always choose the least harmful solutions. There
report and ensuring that these recommendations
is still work to be done here and BVB Substrates
are carried out. The CSR report will recommend
also find it important to carry out an active corporate
how sustainability can be implemented and
social responsibility policy. Corporate social
measured. Guido Linders: ‘Your business needs
responsibility needs to be at the root of all aspects
to have a firmly-rooted environmental awareness
of doing business. To optimise this, BVB Substrates
and so do your personnel.’
has recently employed a manager to devise a
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WIN-WIN SITUATION Every day, BVB Substrates is busy with natural
Sustainability can also be seen at BVB Substrates
products. Raw materials are collected from
in the areas of both production and development.
well-cultivated and maintained peat fields in
A good example of that is the development of a
Northern Europe, Ireland and Canada. These are
replacement material for garden peat. Peat is an
used to make optimum substrates. Guido Linders:
important component in many compounds. In the
‘Every day, we work with natural products such as
coming years, it will be used even more intensively.
peat. Therefore, we feel it is our duty to work on
Therefore, it is essential to develop alternatives.
the restoration of the peat lands. For that reason,
Bearing that in mind, BVB Impress has been
we do business with suppliers who embrace the
launched on the market - this is a pressed block
values of Responsible Peat Production, known as
of sphagnum. BVB Substrates is also working on
RPP. These people replace the top layer so that the
the development of an alternative substrate for
area can restore itself. And we can reuse it.’
cultivating mushrooms. This will be a product that contains less water, thereby reducing water use to
COMPANY-WIDE
a minimum and also reducing the environmental
Sustainable enterprise does not only have a role
impact of transport.
to play in the use of raw materials, but is also applied company-wide in all departments of BVB
Guido Linders: ‘Sustainable enterprising plays an
Substrates. For example, the transport department
important role for the use of certain raw materials
is completely geared towards sustainable transport.
and the development of alternatives. Commercially,
It makes use of transport hotspots and short-sea
it is also having a bigger and bigger impact. Take
connections which are very much cleaner than
for example the municipal budgets whereby the
road transport. The use of collapsible containers
percentage of social returns is taken into
and products which are as light as possible also
account when awarding a contract. We are aware
helps to cut down on transport requirements.
that this is a growing trend and we see a lot of
Guido Linders:‘Sustainability of transport can be
possibilities for putting sustainability into use in a
accurately measured. We have seen a considerable
result-orientated way. This contributes to a better
reduction in our CO2 emissions and we use less
world and to the expansion of our business.’
diesel than in the past.’
NOT A LUXURY BUT A NECESSITY
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BVB IM In January 2015 after long-term research, BVB
it is lightweight, making it sustainable with less
Substrates launched BVB Impress, a new type
polluting logistic flows. BVB Impress guarantees
of press block. The existing press block consists
good shape retention of the press block, it shrinks
mainly of black peat and the availability of this raw
less, and is more sustainable. Furthermore, BVB
material drastically decreases. BVB Impress is
Impress offers convenience in cultivation because
the new generation press block based on white
blocks that have dried out will absorb water faster.
peat, and consists of 100% natural materials, without
BVB Impress makes crops more vital thanks to the
chemical additives. White peat is still widely
soil block’s higher air content, enabling plants to
available. The advantage of this material is that
form a stronger root system faster.
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MEET THE NEW GENERATION PRESS BLOCK
BVB IMPRESS IS THE NEW GENERATION
BVB IMPRESS CAN BE USED FOR ALL
PRESS BLOCK BASED ON SPHAGNUM
SYSTEMS AND ALL PRESS BLOCK-MAKING
PEAT MOSS, ENSURING A SUBSTANTIALLY
MACHINES. IT CONSISTS OF 100%
HIGHER AIR CONTENT AND GUARAN-
NATURAL MATERIALS, WITHOUT
TEEING GOOD SHAPE RETENTION DURING
CHEMICAL ADDITIVES.
THE FORMATION OF THE BLOCKS.
MPRESS 20% 28% BVB IMPRESS RETAINS UP
BVB IMPRESS ABSORBS
TO 20% MORE WATER
WATER UP TO 28% FASTER
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THE COMBINATION OF TRADE AND TRAVEL
IS WHAT MAKES MY JOB AT BVB SUBSTRATES FASCINATING JOHAN VAN GELDEREN, EXPORT MANAGER AT BVB SUBSTRATES WHEN YOU ARE TALKING TO JOHAN VAN GELDEREN, YOU CAN ALMOST IMAGINE THAT YOU ARE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. JOHAN TALKS ABOUT HIS WORK WITH SO MUCH ENTHUSIASM, THAT YOU WOULD ALMOST WANT TO APPLY FOR A JOB AT BVB SUBSTRATES IN THE EXPORT DEPARTMENT.
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EXPORT ‘I come from a family of entrepreneurs. The
working there in 1987 and I still work there today.
green sector has always fascinated me. That came
Export is exciting because there is so much variety.
from working in the nurseries during my holidays.
Export is a field in which a lot of disciplines come
I soon became fascinated by what went on in the
together: financial, legal, logistics, customs and
nurseries. After attending horticultural school
excise policy and the different cultures. While the
in Boskoop, I went to the horticultural college in
Export department has always played a key role in
Aalsmeer. I found my studies there really exciting.
generating turnover for BVB Substrates, the export
After completing my studies, I applied for the
branch has, in the past 15 years, contributed even
position of salesman at BVB Substrates. I will
more to the total turnover of BVB Substrates.
never forget that job interview. I was asked a lot of
This has mainly come about due to taking a more
detailed questions about the composition of potting
focussed approach and also takeovers of other
soils. I answered them easily. A lot of attention
companies. Export now account for about 50%
had been paid to the subject at school. At BVB
of the total turnover. BVB Substrates exports to
Substrates they found this really unique. They
more than 85 countries. In most cases, we work
were very interested in having me in the company.
with dealers who represent our interests abroad,
At the age of 19 they thought I was too young to be
but we also maintain our own branches in USA,
a salesman. I was offered a sort of work placement
Australia and China. Our biggest export countries
covering all departments of the company. After-
are Belgium, Germany and France. Our dealers
wards I had to tell the Board of Directors which
are very important because they have first-line
department I would like to work in and why it
contact with the end consumers. They also provide
would be a challenge. There was no doubt about
added value in the areas of language, culture, and
it - I opted for the Export department. I started
financial and administrative support.
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BVB Substrates is always on the look-out for
IMPRESSIVE
new possibilities and new markets. Discovering
I can still remember my very first trip abroad.
potential markets abroad always provides me
My first flight was with a colleague on a trip to
with a great challenge. It often comes about as a
Vienna. It was really exciting. In those days, flying
result of networking with Dutch companies. At the
was still something special. Now, about between
moment, we are collaborating with some other
twenty and twenty-five per cent of my time is spent
companies to set up small cultivation areas in Viet-
travelling. Sometimes my work has its disadvan-
nam. The climate in Vietnam is very favourable for
tages: negotiations don’t always run smoothly and
horticulture. It is important to focus on potential
travelling takes up a great deal of time. I have a
new markets and make the most of opportunities.
family of three children, whom I see somewhat
In this job, it is sometimes important to find the
less than I would like. I also work very long hours.
right balance. You need to find a good method of
But it is a fantastic job, when all is said and done.
communication that suits you, especially so
Every country has its share of beautiful sights. At
because you are in contact with people from so
the moment, I am really inspired by China. The
many different cultures. For example, doing
contrasts there are so huge. China has gigantic
business is very different in the Far East than in
nurseries and access to all the most cutting edge
Europe. Building good relationships is important
technology. Impressive, although a lot of progress
no matter where you are. However, that is even
still has to be made. Besides the large businesses,
more important in the Far and Middle East than
there are also many small nurseries which still
it is in Europe. It is, therefore, essential to be
cultivate crops in open fields. It presents us and
interested in and open to other cultures.
our distributors with a challenge to raise awareness for cultivation based on substrates.
56
In the Netherlands, we are the market leaders
how long I would have to stay there. Luckily, I was
in professional horticulture. Here you have a
allowed to keep my mobile phone and I was able
monoculture, whereas in other countries, several
to contact the Netherlands. In the end, I remained
different crops are cultivated in one greenhouse.
there for eleven hours. I was lucky, some Liberi-
People in Australia work very differently to people
ans had already been there for nine weeks! I will
in Germany. Take for example, how plants are
never forget the stories that I heard when I was
watered or fertilised. BVB Substrates can supply
there. Clutching my extradition papers, I was taken
customised potting soils suitable for every manner
back to the airport and put in a plane back to the
of cultivation in every country. That is the strength
Netherlands. KLM’s cabin staff were very kind. I
of our product. The challenge lies in realising an
was treated with great ceremony and I received
optimum result along with the grower.
an upgrade to business class. After I came home, I flew back to Korea the very same evening. You
ADVENTURE
can be sure that I took the right passport this time!
The strangest things can happen when you are
The customs official there still recognised me. She
travelling. In October 2013, I experienced an
began to laugh and I think it gave her something to
earthquake in Taiwan. It had a score of 6.3 on the
laugh about for the rest of the day.
Richter scale and we were at a distance of 38 km from the epicentre. That was very frightening.
MOTIVATION
Another thing I will never forget was a turbulent
At BVB Substrates, there is a strong feeling of
flight in a small propeller aeroplane from Italy to
company spirit and loyalty. I’m really part of the
France. The passport story really takes the biscuit.
furniture, so to speak. Most of the staff simply
I have two passports. This can be handy because
stay put. I still find my job challenging and BVB
of visa requests and so on. At Schiphol airport
Substrates is a fantastic company to work for. No
there wasn’t a single problem. However, when I
one is just a number. Travel sparks my enthusiasm
arrived at my destination in Korea, I was stopped by
and it is also important to meet people on their
customs. My passport was out of date. It took some
home ground. When I’m travelling I always think:
time before I realised that I had brought the wrong
they look at us in the same way we look at them.
passport with me. After a lot of back and forth, and
You can always learn from each other, if you really
in and out of waiting rooms, I was finally taken to
want to.’
a cell with bars filled with a lot of asylum seekers from various different countries. No one told me
57
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GRILLED VEGETABLES THIS RECIPE PROVES THAT BARBECUES ARE NOT JUST GOOD FOR CARNIVORES INGREDIENTS FOR 2 - 4 PEOPLE, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE DISH IS SERVED AS A STARTER OR AS A MAIN MEAL
1 AUBERGINE, PEELED 1 SWEET RED PEPPER 1 TURNIP, PEELED 1 YELLOW COURGETTE, PEELED 1 SPRING TURNIP, PEELED 4 GREEN ASPARAGUS TIPS, PEELED 1 LARGE CARROT, PEELED 8 SPRIGS OF CHERVEL 8 SPRIGS OF FLAT-LEAVED PARSLEY A HANDFULL OF VIOLETS A BUNCH OF MUSTARD CRESS A DASH OF OLIVE OIL SEASALT AND PEPPER, TO TASTE PREPARATION PEEL THE VEGETABLES, CHOP THEM INTO LONG CHUNKS ABOUT 2CM WIDE AND 1CM THICK. RUB WITH OLIVE OIL. LAY THEM ON THE BARBECUE AND GRILL ON BOTH SIDES. LASTLY,GARNISH WITH THE HERBS, VIOLETS AND SOME PEPPER AND SALT TO TASTE
59
Professional potting soils for every garden lover BVB Substrates has developed a line of potting soils and decorative soil covers, named Jardino, for the consumer market. The products in the Jardino range came about as a result of close collaboration between garden lovers and cultivation experts. They have not only been stringently tested in our own laboratories, these products have also proved their considerable worth in practice. With Jardino, the consumer uses only the best raw materials. Jardino provides an excellent base for robust growth in your own home, garden or patio.
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