The plant and flower market in North America is traditionally quite protected. Rules and regulations are enforced by CFIA in Canada and by USDA in the United States. For a number of crops, this means that you can’t import unrooted cuttings from outside North America.
This applies to for example azalea, hibiscus and chrysanthemum. Before new species can be traded on the North American market, they have to be cultivated in quarantine. This often causes delays to the introduction of new varieties.
We purchase our bromeliads through different channels. Most of the plants are from Florida. Another part of our bromeliad assortment comes to Ontario via Costa Rica and Florida. A few weeks ago, our bromeliad plant supplier came by. Such a visit is exceptional, but very much appreciated. It’s an opportunity to look at the crops and to discuss problems and planning. Points to improve come up as well.
I also spent an afternoon at the Canadian Greenhouse Conference and Trade Show. It’s always interesting to talk with other growers and suppliers about new developments, threats and opportunities. I’m pretty optimistic, so I usually consider a threat as a possibility to create an opportunity. And it’s nice to go for a bite to eat together afterwards.
As temperatures continued to reach more than 20 °C, we have still been able to sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the late summer. But we’re now heading into autumn. We have already had three frosty nights. It turns the trees in lots of different shades of yellow, gold, orange, red, brown and green. And the sunset is particularly colourful as well at this time of year. When the sun makes an appearance at the horizon at the end of the day, it’s such a breathtaking sight.
Angelle van Kleef,Grower of potted plants in Ontario, Canada
