Fleuroselect’s 55th Annual Convention brought the international horticultural community together in Philadelphia, USA, from 14-16 July for three days of inspiration, recognition and collaboration.
Hosted in partnership with Burpee in honour of its 150th anniversary, the convention combined visits to outstanding American horticultural sites with the presentation of the 2027 Gold Medals, the organisation’s first-ever Member of Merit award, the welcome of four new members and countless networking opportunities, including a joint event with the American Home Garden Seed Association.
Recognising breeding excellence and dedication to the industry
The recent Gold Medal laureates were honoured with their awards in the beautiful, heritage-rich setting of Andalusia Historic House & Gardens. Prices were handed over from Fleuroselect President Marc Driessen and Secretary General Ann Jennen to Scott Roskuszka and Martijn Baijens (PanAmerican Seed), Matthias Redlefsen (Benary) and Geert-Jan Aaldering (Sakata) for their outstanding breeding breakthroughs entered into the Fleuroselect Annual Trial.
Additionally, in recognition of more than two decades of outstanding service as a trial judge and dedicated member of Fleuroselect’s Trial and FleuroStar Committees, Gerard Werink was honoured with the first-ever distinction of Member of Merit.
The convention featured visits to some of America’s most historic horticultural sites, including Burpee’s Fordhook Farm where owner George Ball, CEO Jamie Mattikow and team welcomed the delegation and gave insights into their horticultural legacy with the farm having birthed many breakthrough varieties over the years. Presentations were followed by guided tours through the impressive gardens and the Fleuroselect Annual Trial, grown in honour of the convention.
Another highlight was a visit to Lucas Greenhouses, one of the largest growers on the American East-Coast. As an established family-owned business, the company showcased impressively innovative greenhouses and shining trial fields with hundreds of blooming varieties to be explored, including numerous Fleuroselect member varieties and several award winners.
Strengthening international collaboration
Within the framework of the Annual Convention, Fleuroselect proudly welcomed four new members to reinforce its international network and expand the represented product range: Meilland International from France, SonnenSaat from Germany as well as Edens Plants & Creations and Schneider Youngplants under new leadership from the Netherlands.
International collaboration remained a central theme throughout the convention. A joint event with the American Home Garden Seed Association, including a visit to Chanticleer Gardens and a roundtable discussion moderated by Diane Blazek from All-America Selections, brought together representatives from both organisations. Discussions focused on shared opportunities and challenges, from sustainability and climate adaptation to engaging future generations and navigating an increasingly complex global market, reaffirming the value of strong international partnerships across the industry.
In 2027, the Fleuroselect Annual Convention will be hosted from 23rd to 25th of August in Belgium together with member company Rudy Raes.
