Michael Perry goes behind the scenes at Decorum growers Ten Have Plant and Junglestar

For a new episode of Grower for a Day, plant expert Michael Perry, internationally known as Mr. Plant Geek, dives into the world of two Decorum growers: Ten Have Plant and Junglestar. From Campanula and a distinctive tamarind plant to colourful bromeliads: Perry sees how much knowledge and skill go into the plants that ultimately find their way to consumers.

“It’s just so much know how that you have to learn within each company,” Perry concludes during his visit. It is precisely this knowledge that lies at the heart of Grower for a Day. In the series, international florists, designers and plant experts have the opportunity to spend a day observing what goes on behind the scenes at Decorum growers.

Nearly 100 years of knowledge at Ten Have Plant

Perry’s first stop is Ten Have Plant in Honselersdijk. The family business run by brothers Rob, Vincent and Dion ten Have specialises in Campanula and has extensive knowledge of plant breeding, propagation and cultivation.

Automation plays an important role within the company. At the same time, the grower’s knowledge remains essential to ensure that every plant is delivered at the right time and meets the desired quality standards. Sustainability also receives considerable attention. Among other measures, Ten Have Plant uses geothermal energy, generates its own electricity and applies biological crop protection wherever possible.

During his visit, Perry also discovers a striking newcomer to the range: the Tamarind. The story behind this plant began with a handful of seeds from a Surinamese neighbour. Starting with those first seeds, Ten Have Plant developed the product further. Today, the tamarind is available exclusively through Decorum.

The tropical world of Junglestar

Next, Perry visits Junglestar in ’s-Gravenzande. Here, he steps into a completely different world of plants. Junglestar specialises in bromeliads and has 25 to 30 years of experience with this colourful group of tropical plants.

Guzmania forms an important part of the range. Junglestar works with more than 25 different varieties and continues to look for new species and opportunities to develop the range further.

During his day at the nursery, Perry also sees what makes the bromeliad so special from a cultivation perspective. The plants not only have a distinctly tropical appearance, but also stand out for their lasting ornamental appeal. Their colourful blooms can last for three to six months.

Previous episodes of the Grower for a Day series can be viewed on Decorum’s YouTube channel.