Although educated as an electrician, his calling was always towards the plant industry, although he may not have realised that for a while.  

Having grown up in Hillegom, in the epicentre of Holland's bulb district and a stone's throw from the world famous Keukenhof gardens, and with a flowerbulb-growing father, maybe it wasn't too surprising that his first job out of school was as a salesman for a company that manufactures machines used in flowerbulb production.  

Pieter Damen at his nursery

But the plants side of the business was calling him, and at the age of 17 Pieter was already working together with his brother growing Scabiosas for the cutflower trade. This was supposed to be a sideline, but after becoming a father in 1995 Pieter wanted to simplify his working hours, so he decided to leave the sales job and make a go of the cutflower growing.  

Reflecting on the initial motivation for that decision, Pieter says that it was the fascination with nature that inspired him. "Every year is different. Not every day is fun, but at least most of them are".  

There's something about nursery owners and their dogs. Jack is the meeter and greeter at Pieter Damen's, always enthusiastic to welcome visitors.

Always keen to learn, Pieter Damen has combined his affiliation with plants with a savvy business sense. The cutflower production market is a tough and competitive environment, and he is as much aware of the importance of the reputation of his business as he is of the need for continually improving his selection.  

Improving the selection of plants is therefore high on Pieter's agenda, though he still maintains his 'keep things simple' approach. So, rather than operating a continual breeding program for Heleniums, he set out on one program 7 years ago and will see it through till completion before starting all over again.  

   
'Zonnedam', left, and 'Festival', right, are 2 outstanding varieties from the same program that bought us 'Double Trouble' and 'Ruby Tuesday'.

The current program has already given us 'Double Trouble' and 'Ruby Tuesday', and also 'Zonnedam', with very sturdy, eyecatching bi-colour flowers, and 'Festival', whose extra large flowers are a dazzling vibrant red colour.

At present, it hasn't been decided if these will remain only as cutflowers, or be made available as garden plants. What do you think? Hit 'react' below and share your comments.

But soon it will be time to start again, and who knows what delights might be in store?!