"I recently returned from a whirlwind 48-hour visit to Holland as a delegate of the YPHA’s Launch Success Challenge. We hit the ground running at Floramedia’s Zaandam base where we began with a tour of their factory. I soon discovered how many steps go into plant label production, from the computer design to the industrial machines which produce thousands of labels each day. We will have many things to consider when designing the label for our brand-new Begonia.
We then completed various masterclasses all about creating a brand identity and marketing to ensure our new product will stand out from the crowd. For the afternoon, we moved over to Floramedia’s Boskoop photography studio and all tried our hand at staging and photographing various plants. This was something I’ve never done before, and I have a new-found appreciation for the creativity and consideration that goes into plant photography.
Day two saw us at Beekenkamp’s Plants Research and Development Centre. We began by learning about their production and plant breeding before suiting up into some hazmat-style suits to ensure their biosecurity was not compromised when we toured their facilities. I was especially fascinated by the multi-million-euro machines which carefully placed each delicate plant cutting into their plugs.
Finally, the beautiful new variety of Begonia was revealed. We all took turns to photograph the plant using the skills we picked up on day one. I’ve come away from the visit with plenty of ideas for our new product, but also a far greater understanding of the various horticultural skills and expertise that go into launching each new plant to market. This project will culminate in our new Begonia launching at Gardener’s World Live 2025. Until then, we will complete many more masterclasses that will assist us in bringing this product to life."
Launch Success Challenge is YPHA's brand new accelerator programme, designed to prioritise and progress many of the skills that horticulture relies upon but often fails to nurture. The programme has been made possible thanks to support and funding from headline partner, Peter Moore, plus The British Association of Landscape Industries, Beekenkamp Plants B.V., Westland Horticulture Ltd, Pöppelmann GmbH, the BOA- British Ornamentals Association and The Garden Centre Association.
Contributors to the programme include: Michael Perry, Liz Dowling, Floramedia, BBC Gardeners' World Events, British Garden Centres, Happy Plants Ltd, Glee Birmingham , Jane Lawler and Boyd Douglas-Davies. For more information please visit https://www.ypha.org.uk
