The Spring Fair of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt took place on 3 and 4 February. Despite persistent cold weather across much of Europe, the atmosphere on the trade fair floor was one of great confidence. With visitor numbers matching the previous record year and stable sales at the sample fair, the organisation looks back with satisfaction on the kick-off of the new garden plant season.
Board member Hans Cok confirms the positive market signals: “We see that demand for outdoor plants remains as strong as ever. Turnover at the GROEN-Direkt sample fair was practically equal to last year, and webshop orders are currently still pouring in. This indicates significant confidence among buyers who – despite the cold – are fully ready to provide consumers with greenery in the coming weeks.”
The combination of approximately 175 exhibitors at PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt and the GROEN-Direkt sample fair proved once again to be a powerful draw. Visitors praised the opportunity to physically compare products and purchase directly—an aspect increasingly valued by the trade in an ever-more digital world.
Inspiration for the Retail Sector
The fair attracted a diverse audience from across Europe. A highlights was the visit of 70 garden centre employees at the invitation of Tuinbranche Nederland. They participated in a special programme of informative and inspiring sessions focused on current themes and product innovations, underscoring the fair’s role as the premier platform for knowledge sharing within garden plant retail.
Helleborus ‘Frostkiss Rhythm Pink’ Wins Green Retail Award
A major highlight was the announcement of the Visitor’s Favourite. This year, trade visitors chose the Helleborus Frostkiss Rhythm Pink (Winter Angels) from Kwekerij Verboom BV. The plant was praised for its deep pink flowers and strikingly marbled foliage, which offers high ornamental value even outside the blooming period. The victory of this hardy novelty highlights the trend of consumers increasingly seeking colour and structure in the early spring garden.
New Exhibitors and International Focus
The fair continues to grow in diversity with new exhibitors using PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt to expand their market reach. Alongside established names, the presence of young entrepreneurs and new growers with fresh product groups provided a dynamic energy. Interest from international markets, including Central and Eastern Europe, remained consistently high, reinforcing the event's position as the leading European trade fair for garden plants.
The 2030 Assortment
In the Green Future Hub, the spotlight was on ‘The 2030 Assortment’. This session explored which plants and products are essential ot he future, considering changing climatic conditions and sustainability requirements. Visitors discovered how growers and breeders are already responding ot he challenges of the near future to ensure a relevant and resilient range. Visitors also shared their own ideas, looking not only at climate and sustainability but also at the evolving consumer.
Autumn Edition on 26 and 27 August
Following this successful Spring Fair, the organisation is preparing for the Autumn Edition, which will take place on 26 and 27 August 2026. While the spring fair focuses on direct trade for the upcoming season, the August edition traditionally places more emphasis on forward trading and strengthening relationships. This edition will again be combined with an extensive GROEN-Direkt sample fair. In the meantime, exhibitors and visitors can already register for the upcoming fairs. For garden plant buyers, GROEN-Direkt offers a weekly refreshed range of garden plants throughout the season via its sample fairs and webshop.
