Newsletter,
May 2017
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Ton Vreeken ❞As a team, we're relieved that the busiest period is behind us, but... we're not slacking off just yet, as not everyone has received their complete order!
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Plant campaignThe garden is full again and the plant campaign is in full swing. In other words: everyone who has ordered plants can expect their order in the coming weeks. My growers are groaning and sighing that they have never sold so much (not just to me), the attention for edible plants is skyrocketing (literally). We were and are pioneers and trendsetters in that area; you now see a corner with edible plants in every self-respecting garden center.
This year's notable top sellers are Yacon and Sweet Potatoes. But all citrus varieties (especially kaffir lime), crosne, comfrey, perpetual spinach, lemon verbena (impossible to keep in stock), wild garlic (just sold out), French tarragon, horseradish, the many mint varieties, and taro leaves are also very popular.
Which types of plants are sold the most? A typical journalist's question, which I am often asked. Well, there are 4: Asparagus (by far number 1), followed by Rhubarb, Wild Garlic, and the Curry Leaf Tree. The latter is experiencing some cultivation problems (due to an import ban on cuttings from the tropics) that we hope to tackle this year so that the hundreds of waiting orders for this flavor enhancer can be delivered!
In the coming weeks, our assortment of grapevines will also be complete again. We will receive another large shipment of young grapevines next week, and then dozens of top varieties will be ready for you.
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Subsequent deliveriesThis year we were able to deliver our orders more completely than in previous years, but every year there are at least 100 varieties with problems: crop sold out, crop failed, no communication with the grower anymore, etc. My daily challenge (a less optimistic person would call it "torment") is to ensure that the empty spots on our seed racks remain filled. If you haven't yet received a backorder: know that I am actively working on it and you will receive your order as much as possible within the sowing period. Where that is not possible: know that the seeds will be optimally fresh for the next season...
Clearance Potatoes, Flower Bulbs, and Edible Bulbs and Tubers.
The planting time for potatoes, bulbs, and tubers is nearing its end. Although they will remain in good condition for several more weeks, it's a good idea to start clearing them out now.
Edible Bulbs and Tubers Sale
We make a selection of edible tubers and bulbs: Shallots, Onion Sets, Oca, Ulluco, Mashua, etc. with a retail value of at least € 40.00 Collection price € 19.50
End of Season Potato Pack
Pack of exciting, special and/or tasty potatoes from our assortment. We make a selection from what is left over.
- 409055.14-7 kg (value ± € 20.00) € 9.50
- 409055.27-14 kg (value ± € 40.00) € 19.50
- 409055.317-35 kg (value ± € 100.00)€ 39.50
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409055.435-70 kg (value ± € 200.00)€ 69.50
"Full of Bulbs" Package
As the season progresses, from the 3rd week of May, we clear out our bulbs and tubers. Most will come to growth & bloom; any occasional misses will be amply compensated by the following: we deliver 100% more bulbs for the purchase price (50% discount then...)
- 726600.11 package (value € 39.00) € 19.50
- 726600.21 package (value € 50.00) € 25.00
For all 3 clearance sales: stock is almost depleted, so I may not be able to fulfill all orders. Be quick!
» Let's have a good time in Dordrecht!
More and more people are discovering how unique and beautiful our cozy city is. A day out (some customers plan a whole week) is very much worth it. While walking through the store, I'd like to highlight a few products that you can, of course, also order on the website:
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Fruit shapesSometimes you just have to be crazy... That's what I thought when I bought an assortment of crazy fruit molds in Asia. Since then, many of you have expressed the most delightful reactions! Now is the time to purchase these molds, and as soon as your apples, pears, cucumbers, melons, gourds, etc., start to set, you can place the mold around them and harvest your fruits in the shape of a heart, a cube, a star, or even a Budai or a skull! Curious yet?
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Grow bagsAt the checkout, we prefer to use sustainable bags. Our grow bags can also be bought separately and are attractive, inexpensive, and handy as pots in your garden or on your terrace!
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Bamboo canesAfter my last newsletter, you ordered so many bamboo canes (for climbing pole beans or tying up tomatoes) that we had to replenish our stock significantly. So we have them again!
Combating or preventing slugs
Perhaps the biggest annoyance for plant lovers are our slippery gluttons, the slugs! More and more products are becoming available, just take your pick... What works fantastically for one person barely helps another, so it remains a gamble.
* Organic slug pellets are a direct deadly attack on slugs. The active ingredient is Iron Phosphate, a naturally occurring mineral.
View and order Organic Slug Pellets
* Copper tape can be mounted around the walls of a pot. When "climbing" the pot, the slug finds it difficult to get over copper.
* Copper rings (sturdy and thick) work on the same principle but in the garden. Slugs find it difficult to get over them because the copper has an irritating effect on their slimy underbelly.
* Snail brushes are mounted tightly along the side of a raised planter. Snails have difficulty getting over them and in most cases desist from attacking your precious young plants.
* Snail Barrier consists of natural water-absorbing clay granules (Attapulgite Clay) over which snails find it difficult to move; you sprinkle it as a barrier.
* The "Slug-X" Snail Trap is filled with beer, and its clever design ensures the alluring scent is spread as widely as possible!
View and order the "Slug-X" Snail Trap
* Redstone Snail Trap, beautifully designed and seamlessly blends into the garden as an ornament.
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Ton Vreeken, May 19, 2017 ❞At the last minute...
... I was asked to take on a role in the play "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". Many will surely know the gripping and humorous 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. The play gives you goosebumps, but is also full of funny scenes. In my (now slightly increasing) free time, I am working hard to practice for the role of Chief Bromden. The 5 performances are in the cozy theater of Inter Amicos, see the poster. Anyone who wants to see me in a completely different role than as a "seed man": welcome! My fellow actors will surely help me through it, and director Carmen Tatzreiter works wonders.