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History

The family business was founded by Marco’s grandfather to breed Gladioli, Daffodils and other bulbs for the cut-flower trade.

The name plate shows the union between van Noort and Heijl. "Zaadhandelaar" is "Seed Merchant"

During the Second World War the nursery teamed up with the neighbouring vegetable seed producing Heijl family, but after Mr Heijl’s retirement everything was once again left in the hands of the van Noort family.

Marco's father, breeder of Liatris spicata 'Kobold'

As times moved on, the nursery’s repertoire diversified to include such genera as Liatris and Aconitum which were grown for the cut-flower market. Marco’s father was the hybridiser responsible for introducing Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ in 1952, a variety that remains one of the most popular Liatris today.

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Commercial Production

16-01-2004 15:57 Geranium 'Jolly Bee' is commercially produced in Warmond, Holland, at the same nursery where it was created.

By Miriam Young

A whole field full of Geranium 'Jolly Bee' at the van Noort Nursery

The van Noort nursery was founded by 'Jolly Bee' hybridiser Marco van Noort.

Marco joined his family's business in 1987, initially working on the export of cut flowers to Germany.

Having gained a good understanding of the cut-flower trade he decided that the instability of this market didn’t appeal, and so had the idea to grow perennial plants for the garden market instead.

Clearing weeds from the Geranium 'Purple Pillow' crop can make you a star!

This concept was considered radical at the time and many fellow growers were questionable about his decision. But the courage of Marco’s convictions paid off, and after a couple of difficult years getting established he is now one of Holland’s leading perennial grower-hybridisers.

The dark foliage of Geranium 'Hocus Pocus' stands out a mile.

Today, van Noort nurseries are responsible for growing a number of highly valued crops, including Geranium ‘Purple Pillow’, Geranium ‘Hocus Pocus’, Salvia ‘Caradonna’ and the Darwin PlantSpotters variety, Echinacea ‘Razzmatazz’.

For more from the van Noort nursery go to Marco van Noort's hybridiser pages.

The Breeder

Marco van Noort
By Miriam Young
The breeder of Geranium 'Jolly Bee' is a man with a great enthusiasm for everything he does. Including collecting hats.

The Story Behind the Plant

Geranium 'Jolly Bee'
By Miriam Young
Geranium 'Jolly Bee' was created by the van Noort bees, with a little help from Marco.

Growing Tips

All you need to know
By Arie Blom

Whether you've got green fingers or growing pains, Arie Blom tells us how we can get the best from our Jolly Bees!

In the Garden

Jolly Bee around the world
By You!
Pictures and comments from readers who've grown Jolly Bee themselves. How is yours looking?

Forum

General discussion for Geranium 'Jolly Bee'

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