Waterdrinker Aalsmeer held its yearly Our World of Plants event at the FloraHolland Trade Fair, at which Waterdrinker once again brought the most unusual plants together from around the world. And this year’s assortment was as unusual as it was inspiring.
Immediately upon entering the inspiration space, visitors were welcomed by an immense globe of plants, visualising what Waterdrinker, a European market leader in the field of indoor and garden plants, stands for: a wide product range, featuring unusual, special and exclusive plants, presented in a creative and inspiring way.
Many other eye-catching concepts were on display, in addition to the great globe. This included a “living painting,” some four metres in height. The information sheet to the painting explained how arrangers Florian Seyd and Ueli Signer had drawn inspiration from a Frenchman, famous for his “plant walls.” The two top arrangers, with whom Waterdrinker regularly collaborates, had given the “painting” an entirely original impulse, and showed how it is possible to reduce the distance between the living room and nature.
Alarge meeting space was arranged in the rear portion of the inspiration space, where an impressive chandelier hung from the ceiling. What made this art object particularly unusual was the Stephanotis floribunda it contained. The classic indoor plant had been raised separately, to enable the blooms to look their best on the plant’s turning vines.
Waterdrinker regards sharing its knowledge as a highly desirable added value to their products, which explains why, at the event, take-away information was available to anyone interested in learning more about the ideas behind the presentations and behind Waterdrinker’s unusual plants. There were also guided tours in both the inspiration space and the cash and carry, as well as discussions, open to all. In this way, Waterdrinker hopes to stimulate the exchange and circulation of knowledge, with the accent on the sharing of information and inspiration.
The 12,000m2 cash and carry also had the function of being a knowledge and information centre, where the visitors could let their senses be challenged. There were special 3D presentations, and with a touch of humour, visitors could “hear” how plants provide quiet and tranquillity, demonstrated with the help of the newest varieties of Anthurium - Office Plant of the Year.
Waterdrinker had purchased the plant in the newest of hues and with even more blooms than in previous crops. The “vertical herb garden” demonstrated how edible plants can be just as decorative as others. And naturally, the herbs on display could be tasted, as well as seen!
Waterdrinker’s purchase team is, together with nurserymen, agriculturalists and seed growers, constantly searching for unusual plants. This collaboration makes possible the development and presentation of unique concepts, such as those on display at Our World of Plants. Another example is ‘Our Choice.’ With this concept, Waterdrinker helps customers to distinguish themselves by offering them special selections, arranged by category (Exclusive, New, Special, Forgotten Plants and Best Buy). Soon, this will become even easier to recognise within the permanent product line.
Those visiting the FloraHolland Trade Fair this year should pay a visit to Waterdrinker’s Cash & Carry at the Cultra plaza in Aalsmeer. More information is available by logging on to www.waterdrinker.nl.
