Hoogenboom Alstroemeria Nursery
After one year of training as a florist, Anouk found out that her heart really was in horticulture. She switched courses and discovered through various internships that cut flowers were her favorite field. After her studies, she immediately went to work at the nursery of her father and uncle.
Hoogenboom Alstroemeria Nursery
- 3 acres
- 6 types
Tell us something about your background; how did you get into the field?
I grew up in flowers, always helping out on Saturdays and vacations. So after college I started working at home that's about four years ago now.
What makes this field so special for you?
Being busy with the flowers, working through and being physically busy.
Can you provide a description of your role or function and/or an outline of your involvement in the process?
I am involved in the processing process in the barn and make sure everything runs smoothly. For example, I make sure everything is ready for the auction, send prices to customers every morning and prepare orders for our customers.
We hope there will be more virus-resistant varieties and varieties that can be grown at lower temperatures. In this way, we will have to spray and light less in the greenhouse, which will ensure that growing Alstroemeria will be even more sustainable.
Which part of the process do you find most fun/challenging?
The most fun I have is selling and making the auction ready. Being in contact with the buyers and coming to a good price together.
What are you most proud of?
That we are a family business. We do it all together and I think that's pretty special.
What has changed or had the greatest impact in recent years?
We have a bunching machine with X-ray camera. The machine bunches on three qualities, the X-ray camera sorts the flowers by weight, number of buds and the curvature of the branch. This way we get nice uniform bunches and hope for consistent quality.
What does sustainable cultivation look like in your organisation?
That we went from Son-T bulbs to 100% led lighting. We switched to 100% LED lighting for about 1 year now. That makes us use less energy.
What do you think the process of growing or breeding will look like in 10 years?
We hope to grow and package our flowers climate neutrally.
What do you think makes the Alstroemeria so special?
The flower comes alive in the vase, something is happening. When you have a bunch of Alstroemeria 's in your home it looks different every day.
What would you tell a florist about the Alstroemeria?
The Alstroemeria is a strong flower. Even if the bud has burst, the flower can still last for quite some time.
What is your favourite Alstroemeria and why?
White Pearls!!! We are the only grower with this variety of the Florinca. With just a few branches you have enough for a full vase and these will stand for at least 14 days.
How do you like to see the Alstroemeria?
Monobos, pick book or a classic bouquet, it doesn't matter. An Alstroemeria is always good, for any bouquet and any time.
What do you think most people (florists) do not know about the Alstroemeria?
The Alstroemeria is related to the Amaryllis and was discovered as early as 1800 by Cas Alstroemer.
What ambitions do you have for the Alstroemeria?
We hope in the future to have more virus resistant varieties and varieties that can be grown at lower temperatures. In this way we will have to spray and light less in the greenhouse, which will ensure that growing Alstroemeria becomes even more sustainable.