Already 130 years of familiarity with the best bulbs

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In 1880 Piet Nelis started a nursery in Heemstede. He bought a few plots of ground between the Binnenweg and the Zandvaart, just enough for his own bulb nursery. From this humble beginning the company gradually expanded. His son Kees added the commercial activities to the package, the start of export. Around 1910 P. Nelis en zoon’s moved to the Herenweg in Heemstede. This is still – many renovations later – the company’s main office. The treatment and storage of bulbs continuously improve in quality.

Accent on trade

When grandson Piet took over in 1940, the accent shifted to trade. Countries like Sweden, Finland, Austria and Germany became important export destinations. Later countries and destinations like Eastern Europe, Norway, Japan and Mexico were added. Piet remained closely associated with the company until 1990.

The company still has the evident character of a family concern, with short lines of communication and committed employees. And the name? The spelling mistake (zoon’s) will always remain part of our history!

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