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Colour blocking is the new trend in the fashion world, and Flemish tree nurseries have been quick to catch on. Colours are ‘in’ again and help us to enjoy the seasons to the full in our gardens. Oprins is introducing a panicle hydrangea whose colours undergo a surprising transformation from white to pink to deep red, and a Hydrangea in a combination of pink, blue, chocolate brown and Bordeaux red.

Box specialist Herplant has a new Box in its range that grows to a maximum height of 40 cm. This low-growing, ground cover Box is ideal for low, bushy hedges and low pruning shapes. Buxus microphylla ‘Rococo’ comes from Japan and has small, fresh green leaves.

De Nolf tree nursery is also keen to promote more colour in the garden. They are marketing the new Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Amber Jubilee’, a shrub with a height of up to 2 m and a width of 1.5 m. The shrub features a unique mix of leaf colours: new shoots appear with a yellowish tint, gradually turning to orange in summer and then to purple in winter.

The GAP award was attributed for the first time at the GlobalGAP conference held in Madrid, Spain, from 6 to 8 November 2012. This prize is intended to confer recognition on farmers and horticulturalists who, with their GlobalGAP certificate, are geared to innovation and sustainable development. The Association of Belgian Horticultural Cooperatives (known by the Dutch initials VBT*) has, together with affiliated auctions, compiled a file on Responsibly Fresh. This collective sustainability quality label symbolises the efforts and commitment of the Belgian fruit and vegetable sector to sustainable development. The winners were announced on 7 November 2012. GlobalGAP chose VBT Responsibly Fresh as the European winner.

In 1995, the Belgian auction cooperatives developed the Flandria label for tomatoes and chicory. Seventeen years later, Flandria is looking to the future more than ever before. From a pure quality label, Flandria is now making the leap to a quality label with even more attention for sustainable production. This is expressed visually with the integration of the Responsibly Fresh logo in the FLANDRIA visual.

Sustainability is hot – a subject that is topical today and bound to remain so in the future. The Belgian fresh fruit and vegetable sector has accordingly charted a future-oriented sustainability plan. Minister-President of the Government of Flanders, Kris Peeters, who also holds the agriculture portfolio, unveiled the quality label “Responsibly Fresh” at the Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin. Products with this label are produced with attention for a balance between people, planet and profit.

The multicoloured Acer platanoides ‘Frisine’ was found in 2006 alongside a road in the Czech Republic. The yellow bordered leaves are stunning in springtime.
Frisine has a columnar habit that refers to Acer platanoides ‘Columnare'. The growth strength is moderate. In March-April, like other Acer platanoides species, ‘Frisine’ forms the typical green-yellow flowers.

Dracaena Dorado & Hawaiian sunshine are two recently patented tropical plants from NV Vermeulen.

Light yellow and lemon. These are the colours of the two new Primulas that Rudy Raes Bloemzaden is presenting at IPM Essen 2012. Because they flower slightly later, this Veristar light yellow and Veristar lemon are a worthwhile addition to the range of plants that flower in spring.

The newest Hortinno® is already a new classic within the azalea assortment. The Classic Bicolor has a remarkably fine leaf sheen and two-coloured flowers rich in contrast.