From early next year, after 48 years, the greenhouses of Van Geel Group in Erica, The Netherlands, will no longer be filled with chrysanthemums but with Skimmias. From next year, Martijn van Geel will take over the breeding and production branch of Skimmia Kwekerij Bolwijn, in addition to the existing cultivation of orchids and bromeliads. This year, Chris Bolwijn will still remain in charge of production, but from week 5 of 2025, all phases of skimmia cultivation - from annual to five-year plants - will be transferred to Van Geel.
Chris Bolwijn and Martijn van Geel
Martijn van Geel says: "We downsized in orchids a few years ago, which gave us space in the greenhouses. Chris was looking for succession for the nursery and we were looking for a new crop, through a local greenhouse builder we met. We spent a year having conversations and looking at the possibilities. The orchid greenhouse was available but proved unsuitable. When Chris looked at our chrysanthemum greenhouse, it turned out to be exactly what he needed for the Skimmias. Because of the challenges in chrysanthemum cultivation and the investments needed to keep these greenhouses up-to-date for chrysanthemum cultivation, we finally made the choice to partly use this greenhouse for Skimmia cultivation." There will be more introductions of new crops next year.
"During the year, I also became more and more enthusiastic about the crop. It is a special opportunity because Skimmias are an exclusive and difficult product, which makes cultivation extra interesting. Not everyone starts this just like that," says Martijn. "We can't miss Chris' expertise and enthusiasm and his years of professionalism for the time being, so he will remain involved for the next five years to ensure a good transfer."
Next week, Van Geel will be present for the first time with Skimmias at the Trade Fair (stand 31.6) in Aalsmeer. "We will only start sales from next year, but it is a great opportunity to start talking to customers in advance and share our plans," says Martijn van Geel.
For more information:
Martijn van Geel
Van Geel Group
Tel: +316 55 34 44 91
[email protected]
www.vangeel.nl
Chris Bolwijn
Skimmia Kwekerij Bolwijn
[email protected]
www.bolwijn.com