Interview: from plant lover in Australia to plant collector in the Netherlands
Have you ever wondered where our plants end up? And who share the passion of cuttings, plants and nature with you? We also! That is why we entered into a conversation with Gerda van Os, 81 years old and living in Vlijmen. She has been coming to us for some time now to expand her green collection. We asked her questions about herself and her 120 plants. Curious? Please read on!
How it started
'It all started in the 70s and 80s. Having your house full of greenery was very popular at the time. My mother always had a lot of clivias in the house. Even then, plants made me happy.', Gerda said.
The love for plants, which started early, has always remained. And that can also be seen in her house and how she has decorated it. There are no fewer than 120 plants in her flat in Vlijmen! Is there still room? Certainly! But she takes it easy, because before you know it everything is full.
Extension
Over the past year, her collection has expanded greatly. Since the lockdown, many plants and cuttings have been added, but that is absolutely no punishment. Taking care of the plants makes her very happy and she wouldn't want it any other way. It doesn't really feel like her home without plants. And let's be honest, we agree with that of course!
Besides the fact that many green friends live with her, there are also 2 four-legged friends at her home, namely her cats Pjotr and Pien. Are they on the plants? No Fortunately not. For Pjotr and Pien there is cat grass. So that they can get their green vitamins there if they feel like it.
love for nature
Gerda has not lived in the Netherlands for very long. She has now been back on Dutch soil for 10 years, but before that she had a special life in Australia. She lived in Australia for 12 years. Here she was a snake catcher and worked for the community of Queensland. Was she afraid? No, definitely not. She actually loved her job! She came to various places, including many gardens. During her work as a snake catcher she could therefore enjoy nature even more.
But Gerda has also been involved with nature in the Netherlands. She used to keep bees as a hobby and because of that she also learned a lot about plants. For example, did you know that bees and bumblebees are essential for some plants? They ensure the fruiting and pollination of many plants in your garden.
The care
Being busy with nature and having green friends has always been there. But how does she make sure all her 120 green friends are happy? We asked her.
'Every week I set aside 1 day for it. Then everything is thoroughly cared for and looked at carefully.', she says.
And that has to be done with so many plants. It takes a lot of time and patience, but it will be rewarded. In addition to taking care of her plants, she also cuts them.
Favorites and wishes
Her favorite plant is the Maze plant, also known as Hydnophytum papuanum. This is not her prettiest plant, but it is the most special. This plant grows in Australia, among other places. The thickened stem of the plant contains all kinds of corridors, where tropical ants make their nests. Fortunately Gerda does not have these ants in her plant, but that fact makes the plant extra fun!
The Philodendron White Princess and Pink Princess are her most beautiful plants and we can certainly understand that! Of course we also asked her which plant she would like to add to her collection and that is the Fatsia japonica! This is also known as the finger plant.
To try out
The tip that Gerda gave us is to use willow water to root your cuttings. Willow water is actually an alternative to cutting powder, because it helps the cutting to root better and wards off diseases. Gerda has read a lot about it and is currently trying it out. If you would also like to try this natural remedy, search online for the terms 'willow water cuttings'.
