"To have been chosen as one of the 10 delegates participating in the YPHA ‘Launch Success Challenge’ is a huge privilege; and over the next 12 months our team of 10 will be working alongside industry-leading organisations to bring a brand new variety of Begonia to the English market, culminating in the plant’s launch at Gardener’s World Live 2025.
"To kickstart the programme, we packed our bags and headed to the Netherlands, accompanied by our brilliant project lead Natalie Boynton (YPHA Co-Founder and Happy Plants Ltd) for 48 hours of networking, learning opportunities and industry insights.
"First we visited Floramedia Benelux, where we had masterclasses in horticultural branding, marketing, label design and product photography from the incredible English and Dutch colleagues. We learnt so much about design and print practices whilst touring the site; and the opportunity to talk to passionate industry professionals who are working at the top of their field, was truly inspiring!
"Day 2 took us to Beekenkamp Plants, to see the new variety of Begonia for the first time. After learning about the history of the Beekenkamp empire, we donned some very stylish coveralls, and got to visit areas of the production glasshouses that are only usually frequented by growers. The state-of-the-art technology, alongside the dedication of expert breeders at the nursery, blew me away; and I absolutely loved this part of our experience.
"Throughout the trip, it was amazing to have the mentorship of Boyd Douglas-Davies (HTA Immediate Past President) and Andrew Abbey (Beekenkamp Product Trade Manager); and to be surrounded by horticultural experts with such vast amounts of experience and knowledge, was truly invaluable for us all.
"To be the first YPHA project on international soil was really special, and what a way to kickstart the next 12 months of professional (and literal) growth!
"Thank you to the generous funders making this project possible: Peter Moore, British Association of Landscape Industries, Beekenkamp Plants B.V., Westland Horticulture Ltd, Pöppelmann TEKUR, British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) and The Garden Centre Association (GCA). Working in collaboration with: Michael Perry, Liz Dowling, BBC Gardeners' World Events, British Garden Centres, Happy Plants Ltd, Floramedia, Glee Birmingham Show, Jane Lawler and Boyd Douglas-Davies."
