Belgium will be the partner country of the world's leading fair for horticulture IPM ESSEN in 2019. As is well-known, the partnership was put under the motto 'Rooted in Craftsmanship Together'. The words have now been followed by deeds within the framework of a tree planting event. Since November 12, a summer linden has decorated the Messe Essen site. The tree has found its place in front of the new East Fair Building on the side towards Norbertstraße.

Belgium is once again partner country België is of IPM Essen. The expertise which connects both partner countries with each other will be emphasised under the motto "Rooted in Craftsmanship together".

Horticultural fans are once again being treated to interesting newcomers with extra added value. From amongst sixteen novelties, the jury of the Florall Awards selected the long-flowering Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ with its high value for the consumer and the hardy Lagerstroemia indica ‘Berry Dazzle’ as the winners. In the Concepts category, Belgicactus’ new total concept for succulents, ‘Fabulous Fat Friends’, was awarded 2nd prize.

An attractively trained kiwi vine that is guaranteed to produce fruit; a Chaenomeles with spectacular early blooms; and a compact, low-growing bamboo that is not invasive. These are the prizewinners that were chosen by a five-strong expert jury during Florall at Waregem Expo.

On Saturday 20 January, Antwerp, the world’s diamond capital, replaced the stones of the Astridplein with a garden of 100,000 tulips to be freely picked. Visitors were invited to pick a bouquet of tulips free of charge, all offered by VLAM and the Flemish producers.