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Dutch Flower Bulb Inspection Service (BKD)
The Dutch Flower Bulb Inspection Service (BKD) was founded in 1923 as an inspection service for an association known as “De Narcis”. The reason for initiating this service was the threat that the US would close its doors to the import of Dutch daffodils. Over time, inspection systems were also established for other flower bulb products. For some products, the BKD conducted inspections regarding phytosanitary aspects stipulated in the Dutch Plant Diseases Act. For some products, growers could participate voluntarily in an inspection for quality: “voluntary selection inspection”. This selection inspection formed the basis for the quality inspection. In 1980, the BKD started basing its operations on the Agricultural Quality Decree on Flower Bulbs. Since then, growers have been required to become associated with the BKD. This decree also stipulates that the BKD is involved not only in the quality of the planting material but also the saleable sizes of these products. The norms applied by the BKD in its quality inspections are established in the Dutch Inspection Regulations for Flower Bulbs 2005. Before these norms were established, they went through a thorough recommendation and decision-making process during which growers as well as bulb dealers could provide their opinions about the application/introduction of a norm or an inspection method. The BKD attaches strong value to input from the sector throughout this entire process. Over time, inspection systems have been developed for the various products being inspected. These systems, too, are established in the Dutch Inspection Regulations for Flower Bulbs 2005. To conduct these quality inspections, the BKD has an efficiently operating administrative system, professional inspectors, and a properly functioning laboratory. The fact that the BKD meets these criteria is certified by its ISO 17020 and 17025 accreditations. These accreditations guarantee that the work being done by the BKD and its affiliates is being carried out at a high level of quality, under uniform conditions and according to an independent system of monitoring.
For more information: www.bloembollenkeuringsdienst.nl.
Plant Protection Service
The mission of the Plant Protection Service (PD) is to monitor and promote the health of plants within an international context. Plant health is promoted by two systems: 1) a highly effective phytosanitary system aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of quarantine organisms within the Netherlands and throughout the world, 2) and a system of sustainable crop protection that promotes a safe, sustainable control of established, diseases, pests and weeds. For more information: www.minlnv.nl.
Packaging
The world is changing, and the way flower bulbs are marketed has to change as well. With this idea in mind, the IBC developed a marketing concept book full of images and ideas that can help the flower bulb sector move its products.
Convenience as impulse for dry sales
How can we get consumers to buy flower bulbs? By making the most of reasons that will sway them in this direction. And when it comes to that, flower bulbs are perfect: just pop them into the ground and away they go! No messing around with pruning and fertilising – soil and water are all they need. With this in mind, the International Flower Bulb Centre (IBC) came up with the appealing concept of the “easy enchanted flower box”. This is a transparent cube filled with flower bulbs in layers that can then be planted in layers. The cube will have to have a trendy look with an accent on convenience. The target group for this idea is composed of young adults who have patios and balconies, who do little gardening, and who are likely to make impulse purchases of items with a trendy appeal. Since this target group is not often found in garden centres, it is being suggested that the easy enchanted flower box be marketed through retail chains such as major department stores and home furnishing outlets or gift shops.
In a good mood with flower bulbs
The sales of flower bulbs has dropped dramatically in recent years. Although opinions differ as to the reasons for this, one thing is certain: consumers have changed over the last twenty years. So it’s obvious that the ways flower bulbs are sold will have to change as well.
In its marketing concept book, the IBC provides several ideas intended to strip flower bulbs of their old-fashioned image. To promote the efforts of the export sector, the IBC’s promotional department had developed a number of specific concepts. To promote the forcing sector’s products, the concept is all about “Good Mood Bulbs”: a gift for every mood. This concept focuses particularly on the gift market: a pretty pot of flower bulbs is always nicer to give than the obligatory gift certificate or money in an envelope. The idea is that Good Mood Bulbs – that will soon burst into flower – will immediately improve your outlook on life. The target group for this concept is very broad; after all, everyone buys presents at one time or another. But this will also mean that the basic concept will have to be adjusted to the type of retail outlet and target group in order to increase the chances for impulse purchases. Outlets being considered for the sale of these pots include home furnishing chains, but gift shops, supermarkets and garden centres would also be perfect for this concept.
For more information: www.bulbsonline.org.
FLOWER BULBS APPLICATIONS
IN GARDEN AND PARKS
No other plants say “springtime” quite as clearly as flower bulbs can. Tulips, narcissi and hyacinths are absolutely synonymous with the feeling of spring. Their wide range of colours and shapes, plus the visual impact they make, gives observers a cheerfulness that spills over into a renewed enthusiasm for their daily activities.
The fact that people have a special place in their hearts for flower bulbs is proven by the amount of attention the give to their plants in their own garden. Even the tiniest garden becomes a delight with a few tulips or daffodils. With this in mind, there is every reason to believe that using flower bulbs in public spaces is reflecting a real need felt by many people living and working in cities and towns.
In experiencing such loveliness, people have the impression – and rightly so – that the agencies responsible for maintaining public spaces are anticipating their wishes. After all, colourful mass planting appeals to everyone’s taste.
In general, there are three different ways to show off flower bulbs to best advantage in urban environments.
What’s most significant is the colour effect, since the flowers very often are not observed one by one. Obviously, it’s the cultivated types that are best suited for this application. For these plantings the focal point will be an annual display of colour or perennialising bulbs along roadsides.
The other way is the natural approach. Flower bulbs among perennial plants in city parks and naturalising plants in more wild areas or in combination with groundcovers in the urban spaces. Obviously, it’s the more botanical species that are suitable for this application.
Fairly new are instant spring plantings. This can be realised with potted bulbs that are prepared by forcers. These bulbs can be used to fill gaps in early spring and have blooming beds and containers within a few weeks.
10 GOLDEN RULES FOR SUCCESS!
- ORDER IN TIME
- SALT LEVELS OF SOIL
- DRAINAGE
- SOIL TEXTURE
- NEVER TWICE IN SPOT
- PLANT AFTER ARRIVAL
- SOIL TEMP < 10°C/ 50°F
- MOISTEN WHEN DRY
- PLANTING DEPTH
- WATERING IF DRY
Planning
One aspect which is often forgotten is that bulbs should be included in the planting scheme at a very early stage. Landscapers however, often add them in at the very last minute to fill some of the remaining empty spaces. Instead we would urge designers to think: “Where could bulbous plants be utilised to provide a splendid effect and how can I adapt my plan”. To prevent disappointments, flower bulbs must be ordered well ahead of time. Flower bulbs are harvested just once a year. In fact, you should order no later (but preferably even earlier) than the spring before the bulbs will be planted in October or November. Your Dutch supplier, who is thoroughly acquainted with how these matters should be arranged, can give the bulbs the right pre-treatment. Only then the best results can be expected.
Assortment
When planning an annual display there are no limits. Most spring flowering bulbs are supposed to give their best performance in the first flowering season. There are a few exceptions like e.g. Camassia, Leucojum and Fritillaria meleagris. But most of these exceptions are more suitable for natural plantings anyway.
Planting time
Spring flowering bulbs have to be planted before winter sets. It is best to plant them when the soil temperature has dropped below 10? (50?). This is a good temperature for providing the bulbs with the cold period and also reduces the chance certain diseases getting established and harming the bulbs. What this means is that planting is usually done in October or November.
Lists of nice combinations and lists of perennialising bulbs you can find on our website www.bulbsonline.org. After selecting your language you go to the ‘professional’ button. Here we have gathered specific information for landscapers under the button ‘Landscaping Information’.
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