From brilliant summer flowers to magical winter wonders
In summer, large-flowered carnations fill the greenhouses of family nursery Mediaverdi CV. During autumn, Snowballs take over. This surprising change of season ensures constant variation. Greenflor visits family nursery Mediaverdi in Aalsmeer.
History and family tradition
Mediaverdi is not the name of a picturesque Italian village, but an abbreviation of ‘MEt DIAnthus VERDIend’. This family-run business has been around for more than 100 years, growing carnations and tensile shrubs. The company has been run with passion for four generations.
Grower Johan Buis works with his father and son to select and bundle the carnations. While they are busy working, his wife Bianca leads us around among the large quantity of stems. ‘Johan's great-grandfather started growing lilacs and chrysanthemums in 1901,’ Bianca tells us. ‘In 1935, he started cutting carnations. After all this time, we still plant large-flowered carnations every year in May.’
Gorgeous carnations
New varieties and exclusivity
Many buds have yet to open, but sometimes precursors betray the final colour of a compartment full of green buds. The carnations come in a variety of colours, from soft peach and vintage pink to yellow, deep red and white. ‘Bright colours used to be popular, now soft shades are in demand. Lady Diana and Greenshot are real bestsellers,’ Bianca explains.
Besides the classic varieties, Mediaverdi introduces new varieties every year. ‘We receive around 50 novelties every year from breeders worldwide. As a result, we always offer exclusive flowers,’ says Bianca. Bianca removes some side shoots from a large bud. ‘Most of the work is in the fluffing,’ she explains.
Climate control in the greenhouse
A hissing sound fills the air as sprinklers spread a layer of mist over the carnation buds. ‘This lowers the temperature in the greenhouses by about five degrees. In hot summers, the carnations grow too fast. This way, the carnations keep cool.’
This technology is part of the 2019 sustainable greenhouse. The greenhouse is equipped with solar panels and a water recirculation system. ‘Thanks to good insulation and low water temperatures, we heat the greenhouse efficiently. This is good for the environment and strengthens the flowers. A real win-win situation,’ Bianca says.
Patiently waiting for snowballs
If you're waiting for Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’, or Snowballs, you'll have to be patient. Bianca points to the available 10,000 square metres outside. ‘The plants are already growing well. We bring them inside in November to ripen further.’ In January, after radiant summer flowers, it will finally be time to start enjoying magical snowballs.
The future of carnations
Bianca is happy to see that carnations remain popular, even among young people. ‘Carnations are often mixed in bouquets and bridal bouquets. They are a valuable addition to many floral arrangements,’ she concludes.
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.