A colourful experience at Esmeralda Nursery
Anyone entering the Esmeralda nursery in Rijnsburg immediately imagines themselves in a summer oasis. A sea of colourful gerberas and germinis welcomes you. Greenflor takes a look inside the greenhouse.
A colourful surprise
Grower Gerben Wessels opens the door. Five acres full of colour comes at you. Merry germinis grow on one side, gerberas sparkle on the other. Gerben explains that most of the work happens early in the morning. "Every morning we select and pick the most beautiful flowers by hand," he says. The flowers are then sorted for different packaging. Gerben points to the hall where colourful carts are placed. We see monobos, mixed gerberas and germinis in festive themes such as 'Ibiza', 'Havana', 'Lollipop' and 'Hollywood'. It couldn't be more cheerful.
From soft pastels to bright colours
All colours pass by: orange, yellow, pink, and even blue and green, from bright bright to soft pastels. Some bunches are in water, some are in boxes, and some stems are packed in luxury boxes. Gerben says: "Around noon, our flowers leave for customers at home and abroad."
Gerberas and germinis have been growing at Esmeralda since 2001. Marcel van Vliet says: "It is a beautiful flower and a luxury item. We are aware of this and try to keep our footprint as small as possible." Harmful insects are controlled organically. Insects that are natural enemies of leafminers, spider mites and caterpillars are released weekly. "This is better for flowers, people and the environment," says Marcel van Vliet.
Warmth to grow
When the sun hides, the lamps in the greenhouses are lit. A warm glow illuminates the sea of flowers. "It's dark and cool for the time of year," says Gerben. "We generate our own electricity for our lighting, which also generates heat. We store this heat during the day and use it at night."
Gerben points to the young gerbera plants. "Here they are still small. They get water and fertiliser daily, sometimes as many as 10 times a day. About half of the water flows back to our reservoir via drainage channels. This water is cleaned with UV radiation and reused. That way we don't burden the environment," says Gerben. At a slightly larger plant, Gerben slides aside a few stems. "Look," he says enthusiastically, "here you can see new buds that will soon become flowers." It's always summer at Esmeralda Nursery.
about Greenflor
Greenflor is the trendsetter and importer of unique flowers and natural decoration. Our passionate team selects the most extraordinary products for florists, wholesalers and garden centers. Every season, from winter to summer, we offer exclusive and perfect flowers. With our wide range of fresh and dried flowers, Greenflor ensures that you can enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers all year round.