Preferred Supplier

Kipp

The German Nordrein-Westfalen is the home to thousands of acres of Weymouth pine, better known as Pinus Strobus. Preferred Supplier Bernd Kipp manages his acres of Pinus and Nordmann himself. In springtime however, he surprises us with a completely different product: waterlilies!

Every day, grower Bernd Kipp drives to different parts of the forest to inspect the different heights trees himself. He points towards a large piece of land with Nordmann trees in different sizes. ‘This area for example, is exclusive to FleuraMetz. These Nordmann trees deliver the right quality foliage with the desired weight and colour.’

Forest management

With special pruning shears, Bernd cuts off a branch as an example. “Only after frost has set in on the branches are they ready to be harvested. If you cut them too early, the greenery loses its firmness. Then it's useless.” Both types are in high demand internationally. Forest management in Germany is strict, and Preferred Supplier Bernd Kipp is one of the few authorized to harvest and plant; his forest is properly certified.

Waterlilies in wedding flowers

Besides growing Christmas greenery, Bernd has discovered a small hobby: water lilies! This product is perfect for wedding floristry. Bernd: “In Germany, it is customary to bring something to a wedding. A water lily is a beautiful alternative to the roses most guests will carry.”