Reinier van Elderen took over the running of the family business when he was just 19 years old, fresh out of agricultural school.  

Time has proven that this was no rash decision on his father's part, as under Reinier's direction the nursery has gone from strength to strength since his initiative to switch from vegetable to perennials production.  

An inspiring view - flower beds at the back of the family home remind Reinier why he works so hard to grow and develop beautiful plants.

The transformation took place in 1981, after they were forced to leave their original location in Rozenburg, (near the world famous Aalsmeer flower auction in The Netherlands) ironically because they had become very successful at growing Paeonias, and the land owner decided he'd like to have a go himself!  

Having moved just a few kilometers down the road, but with a different soil type, the nursery took on growing Aquilegias for a mail order company, and soon diversified into producing many other types of perennials and annuals.  

Reinier checks over the Sandersonias which he is attempting to breed a red variety from.

Today, Paeonias, Astilbes and Irises vie for space next to various other crops, and an ever-encroaching plethora of breeding experiments.  

To make way for the breeding programs, some of the crops are now grown on land in Limburg, in the south of The Netherlands, where the soil is sandier and cheaper.  

Fun is always first on the agenda, even if you're sorting through the newly harvested Paeonia roots.

While production of perenials and cutflower crops will always remain a neccesity to provide a steady income, Reinier is very happy that the business is now well established enough to allow him the room and the time to persue his passion for breeding.