Since 2018, Morinville, Alberta has been the setting for a new tradition in Canadian horticulture, states Michiel Verheul of High Q Greenhouses. The event is called New Blooms and takes place every summer in July. It is a day where members of the industry gather to learn about the new varieties being offered by several breeding companies.
According to Verheul, New Blooms is the result of years of collaboration and partnership between High Q Greenhouse (where all the product for the event is grown), Deb's Greenhouse (where the finished product is showcased), and for the last two years the Canadian sector of Express Seed Company.
An impression of the event in Alberta, Canada
For 2024's New Blooms event, 10 breeding companies participated by providing unrooted cuttings to High Q Greenhouses - a young plant facility with root and sell contracts with several breeders. The companies featured at this year's event include: Beekenkamp, Schoneveld, Bull Genetics, PanAmerican Seed, Green Fuse, Syngenta, Danzinger, Westhoff, Think Plants, and DeVry Greenhouses.
Verheul points out that the plants are grown by traditional grower methods, with a bit of pinching and a regular feeding program. This year, more than 250 varieties and species were on display at Deb's greenhouse and in early July, close to 100 growers and industry professionals gathered to learn about these new varieties and how to manage them.
Verheul: "It was a great event where small groups rotated through the greenhouse, visiting the different stations to find out what's new and exciting for the 2025 season."
The event even hit the road this year, visiting Central Botanical Growers, located in Saskatoon, Sask., where an identical set of varieties and species were grown for display and comparison. New Blooms Saskatchewan, as this neighborly event is being called, also hosted a grower expo featuring the products and services of 15 industry supply companies.
An impression of the event in Saskatchewan, Canada
"The event here was attended by 50 companies and staff. Again, this was a huge success. Dr Ken Fry, a renowned entomologist from Olds Colleges in Alberta, spoke in a session that allowed growers to obtain credits for their pesticide license," comments Verheul.
"A huge thank you to the staff of Express Seed Company for their coordination efforts. High Q greenhouses for presenting the even, and Central botanical growers and Debs Greenhouse for hosting it."
For more information:
High Q Greenhouses
Michiel Verheul
+780 271 2458
www.highqgreenhouses.com
Deb's Greenhouse
Debbie Foisy
+780 515 1253
www.debsgreenhouse.com