ICGA CONGRESS 2022

The International Garden Centre Association (ICGA) Congress recently took place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and was attended by members of SANA. They visited 11 garden centres, as well as the Zaanse Schans windmill village, and had some free time to explore Amsterdam.

Feedback from a few of the garden centres included the following: Tuincentrum Huiting does 60% of its business in landscaping, 20 % in garden centre operations and 20% as a tree nursery. Most of their staff work part time and they only have two permanent employees.

Tuincentrum Abbing was recently upgraded and visitors have the choice to walk anywhere as there is no ‘forced’ traffic flow. They have implemented water collection, a heat pump and electric car charging facilities.

Plantcentrum Velda was established in the late 1990s and due to the tomato crisis, switched to selling a variety of plants. They offer assistance with landscaping ideas and container planting.

Elho, producers of plants and flower pots, emphasises sustainability and this is part of their DNA. They are 100% committed to protecting the environment and manufacture pots from recycled plastic. All energy needed to operate their business is produced by a giant wind turbine on their property.

Ter Laak Orchid Growers are also at the forefront of sustainability with their daylight greenhouse and use of underground water storage. They specialise in phalaenopsis and offer a range of different colours and characteristics to suit consumers’ needs.

www.sana.co.za https://igca2023.com