Wilbert Stek strives for highest quality cuttings through innovation |
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Alongside existing assortment attention for new hedera hibernica and hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
At Wilbert Stek they have not been idle over the past year. Renewal of the cutting assortment takes an important place at the specialized cutting company in Gendt. During the upcoming GrootGroenPlus fair, the results will be presented. The trusted successful assortment will be showcased in full, but Wilbert Stek will highlight several novelties, such as Hedera hibernica, Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Thuja in Paperplug. Wilbert van Luenen, owner of Wilbert Stek, eagerly looks forward to the reactions.
| Overview of the greenhouse |
In the Wilbert Stek stand, several new varieties will be on display. For example, Hedera hibernica and Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' are recent additions to the assortment. ‘We try to optimize the assortment every year and achieve market expansion. We look for crops that fit, both technically in cultivation and with regard to customer interest. We keep a close eye on the market, with the help of customers. We know what is happening and which products generate turnover. Usually we start with one or two types and then expand further,’ explains Wilbert van Luenen.
Informing and experimenting
Van Luenen continues: ‘That is also what we have done now: only H. hibernica from Hedera and only “Annabelle” from Hydrangea. These are somewhat larger types. With the experience we gain, we look at new types. Each species requires its own approach. Especially the timing of cuttings is important. When we start with a new species, it is about informing and experimenting. What works well for someone else does not necessarily work for us. Blindly copying is not wise. It has to fit your cultivation system in terms of watering, nutrition and substrate. This does not work for every crop; sometimes one falls off. And sometimes saying no is also good; then you know that is not where your strength lies.’
 | | Hydrangea Arborescens 'Annabelle' |
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 | | Hedera Hibernica |
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Innovation is therefore highly valued at Wilbert Stek. ‘Trying new varieties makes the work fun. If you keep building on the existing, the joy soon fades. Looking back, you see that we did certain things quite differently a few years ago. Things change quite quickly in the nursery. It is often a matter of supply and demand. If something is good, everyone jumps on it. But afterwards there is often a backlash, even though it is a good product.’ Van Luenen therefore keeps a sharp eye on how certain crops perform. ‘The past few years have been difficult for Ilex crenata, but recently this product has been on the rise again.’
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'With a new species it is about informing and experimenting. What works for someone else does not necessarily work for us'
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Use of paperplug
Another new development is the use of Paperplug. ‘We now do Thuja in a Paperplug. We are very satisfied with that; with this we have made a good step forward in quality. After several years of testing, we have now switched completely to Paperplug for Thuja. Without Paperplug, Thuja quickly overroots. That makes potting up difficult for the customer. With the use of Paperplugs, you can now pull out the cuttings one by one before potting. Without Paperplug you have five in your hand, you damage them a little and that problem is now solved. The use of the Paperplug has many advantages for the customer. We already have quite a few crops in Paperplug and are looking at which other varieties it adds value to.’
Wilbert Stek wants to show the full breadth of its cutting assortment in Zundert. ‘We are taking almost all varieties, such as Thuja, Taxus, Photinia, Ilex, Osmanthus and Euonymus, and highlighting the newer varieties mentioned. Usually, growers are mainly interested in a general impression of the quality you deliver rather than looking at each variety individually. In any case, it is useful to be able to show something concrete to a new customer during a conversation.’
International
Van Luenen does not go to Zundert with specific expectations. ‘It is always a good fair for us. We have many contacts there, not only with existing customers but also with new people, especially for export. GrootGroenPlus has become increasingly international in recent years, with visitors from Southern and Eastern Europe. I expect this trend to continue in the coming edition. The fair has a strong international reputation. We also always meet with existing customers, for example from Italy. The international aspect is really an added value of the event in Zundert.’
 | | Wilbert van Luenen |
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The cutting specialist always has a good feeling after GrootGroenPlus. ‘It is always quite an organization and a lot of arrangements to participate, but you meet a lot of people there. You should not forget existing customers, because they are of course very important. Moreover, you always make new contacts. An hour after the fair, I am practically already signing up for the next year. It is a friendly, pleasant fair; that makes participation much easier. Also the contacts with the organization are friendly. Everyone thinks in terms of solutions, not problems, and that suits us well. In addition, it is a nice bonus that we are again in the same location as last year, so people can find you more easily. All in all, it is a very good fair for us.’
Wilbert Stek
Smidstraat 1
6691 ES Gendt
www.wilbertstek.nl
+31481425543
info@wilbertstek.nl
Route and stand number: blue 053
This article was previously published on september 17, 2024 on the website
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