World champion short track athlete Lara van Ruijven will open 9th Dutch Lily Days

On June 4, the ‘world stage’ for lilies, the Dutch Lily Days, has the honour of being officially opened by a world champion. Lara van Ruijven, who was the first Dutch woman to win an individual world title for short track this winter, is the special guest during the opening ceremony. This year the opening ceremony is planned for 11.00 on June 4 in the test greenhouse of Onings Holland, Nieuwe Tuinen 1 in Honselersdijk.

It is already the ninth time that breeders and exporters are joining forces for this four-day lily event. This year, it is being held on June 4 – 7. Each year one of the participants acts as host for the official start. For Onings Holland, it was a logical choice to ask Lara van Ruijven to be the special guest at the opening ceremony. Westland, the registered office of the export company, has been often in the news lately because of top sport performances.

Among them was undoubtedly the world title for the 500 meter that the 26-year-old native of Naaldwijk won in March this year. She became the first Dutch woman ever to win individual gold in this discipline. This achievement led to the naming of her ‘own’ lily, which will be officially christened on June 4 during the opening ceremony of the Dutch Lily Days. The flowery display at Onings Holland is in the hands of students from MBO Westland who are studying Flowers & Design. They will show in practice what striking possibilities are offered by lilies in bouquets and arrangements.

Double Orientals increasing in popularity
This year promises to shift the focus to the double Orientals. These lilies, easily recognisable with their double full flowers, are now available in increasing quantities and an expanding range of varieties after years of breeding and propagation. The double Orientals are expected to follow the success of the OT-hybrids with a rising trend in the market.

Fourteen participants
Fourteen companies around the country are launching their participation in the Dutch Lily Days at the same time. This event for fellow professionals in the industry will be held at P. Aker, Van den Bos Flowerbulbs, Bot Flowerbulbs, De Jong Lelies, Lily Company, Mak Breeding, Onings Holland, C. Steenvoorden, GAV’s Lilies, Gebr. Vletter & Den Haan, VWS Flowerbulbs, World Breeding, Zabo Plant and Royal van Zanten.

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