We've noticed that Lensli isn't afraid to give without expecting anything in return. This applies to both knowledge and joint development.''
Rijnbeek en Zoon in Boskoop is a third-generation family business that grows perennials in the open ground and in pots. The plants are sold in 25 countries worldwide.
Rijnbeek distinguishes itself with a very wide range consisting of about 5000 species. This involves collaboration with a large number of parties, such as breeders and enthusiasts from all over the world. Rijnbeek has set up a testing ground for new species.
The nursery likes to anticipate future developments in good time, such as the reduction of peat in substrates. Marcel van Vemde, director of Rijnbeek en Zoon: 'We have been looking at the possibilities for peat-free cultivation for eight years now. Owner Arno Rijnbeek and Mart Slingerland started tasting together a long time ago. Arno wondered, partly on the basis of market trends, whether it is desirable to continue using peat in the existing way.
Lensli has now delivered the first loads of potting soil. 'The plants are growing well in it. It's going perfectly so far. The Rijnbeek employees at the potting machine say that the soil is nice to work with. And more importantly: the grower lets you know that the plants are rooting well. The pot level also remains nicely intact; the substrate does not collapse. This is partly because peat-free substrate contains a lot of bark, which is a stiff material. That the volume of the soil remains intact is essential for the growth of the plant.
Van Vemde: 'Quality is of paramount importance to us; that is why we first want to be 100 percent sure that there is no quality difference in all our varieties. Only then will we publicize our peat-free cultivation.'
The Boskoop nursery operates in an environment in which they are surrounded by many parties. 'We are always looking for people who will stand next to you when necessary. When things go well, everyone is your friend. If something is going on, you want people around you on whom you can rely. We've noticed that Lensli isn't afraid to give without expecting anything in return. That applies to both knowledge and joint development.'
Van Vemde: 'Together strive to do better, that is what we expect from a partnership. If you are successful, it will reflect on both parties. We like that.'
Rijnbeek will therefore place all plants that are newly potted in peat-free substrate. At some point, the grower will announce to the market that plants grown in both peat and peat-free will be offered, until the entire range is peat-free.
Until then, we are continuously looking for improvement together with Lensli, and that will continue afterwards. We are open to new resources and possibilities, but the percentage of peat-free is increasing every day.'