As early as three years ago, Koen Bouten's pot and bedding plant business in Beesel was at risk of flooding due to the high Meuse River. It was this risk, in the river's winter bed, that kept him from expanding. Then, a new dyke was constructed that is almost two metres higher, allowing for an additional new build of 10,000 m2 while seeking to keep energy consumption unchanged.
A procession of cars with Belgian license plates crosses the town of Beesel, driving towards the river Meuse. It is the annual excursion of the General Association of Belgian Ornamental Growers (Algemeen Verbond van Belgische Siertelers). A group of 35 Flemish growers, mostly of pot and bedding plants, are visiting four nurseries in the Dutch province of Limburg, including Bouten’s company.
For owner Koen Bouten (41), this is a try-out for the open day he will be holding to celebrate the new build. He grows pot and bedding plants, all seasonal products, including pansies, primulas and pelargonium. In the old greenhouse, the pot and bedding plants were grown at 15°C. Today, the plants are unheated there. Awaiting transplantation, they are merely kept frost-free.