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The 2007 range

Gary Vanburen

Plants selected for Darwin PlantSpotters have been chosen for many different reasons. The man responsible for all these decisions is Gary Vanburen, co-owner of Darwin Plants. Although Gary's role in the company covers logistics and buying and selling of plant-stock, he is also the ‘plantsman’. 

“When looking for a plant that is suitable for Darwin PlantSpotters, I look for distinctive qualities. I chose Delphinium ‘Delft Blue’ for example because of its attractive bicolour flowers but I also look for signs of longevity in the market place and the hope that one day it might be called a ‘classic’.” 

 

In 1986, when Gary took his first trip to the U.S.A. his interest in perennials began, “apart from the diverse varieties, it was the people involved in the perennial market that also interested me. At the time there were only a few growers and it was like one big family, where everyone knew everyone else.” 

 

For over 15 years, Gary has remained in very close contact with perennial growers and hybridisers. It’s these close relationships that have proven to be invaluable for Darwin PlantSpotters. As in the case of Echincea purpurea ‘Razzmatazz’, hybridisers will contact Gary first with news about a new plant. “Hybridisers are really excited about Darwin PlantSpotters because it has been specifically created for budding perennial fans – just like themselves.”


So Gary, what is in store for Darwin PlantSpotters in the future?

“Well, I am constantly visiting many different growers and hybridisers both in Holland and overseas looking for new and unusual varieties that will continue to delight plant enthusiasts. I have a few up my sleeve for 2008 already but you’ll need to watch this space!”

experience gardening......
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The Plant Chooser
07-10-2003 10:11 An overview of the Darwin PlantSpotters 2007 range and the man responsible for their selection.
By Miriam Young   

_
 
L: Astilbe 'Diamonds and Pearls'
from Harrie Verduin, The Netherlands
R: Astilbe 'Heart and Soul' 
from Harrie Verduin, The Netherlands


 
L: Delphinium 'Coral Sunset'
from Nico Wigchert, The Netherlands
R: Delphinium 'Delft Blue'
from Karel Heemskerk, The Netherlands


 
L: Echinacea 'Fatal Attraction'
from Piet Oudolf, The Netherlands
R: Echinacea 'Harvest Moon'
from Richard Saul, USA


  
L: Echinacea 'Jade'
from Piet Oudolf, The Netherlands
R: Echinacea 'Razzmatazz'
from Jan van Winsen, The Netherlands

 
L: Echinacea 'Twilight '
from Richard Saul, USA
R: Geranium 'Jolly Bee'
from Marco van Noort, The Netherlands

  
L: Geranium 'Sweet Heidy'
from Marco van Noort, The Netherlands 
R: Helenium 'Chelsey' 
from Nic Geerlings, The Netherlands

 
L: Helenium 'Double Trouble'
from Pieter Damen, The Netherlands
R: Heuchera 'Caramel'
from Thierry Delabroye, France

 
L: Heuchera 'Citronelle'
from Thierry Delabroye, France
R: Heuchera 'Mocha'
from Thierry Delabroye, France

  
L: Heuchera 'Swirling Fantasy'
from Aad Wijnhout, The Netherlands
R: Hosta 'Golden Meadows from 
Reinier van Elderen, The Netherlands

 
L: Hosta 'June Fever'
from Jan van den Top, The Netherlands
R: Hosta 'Magic Fire'
from Jan van den Top, The Netherlands

 
L: Ligularia 'Little Lantern'
from Helmut Stade, Germany
R: Papaver 'Place Pigalle'
from Eleanore de Koning, The Netherlands

 
L: Phlox 'Fancy Feelings'
from René van Gaalen, The Netherlands
R: Phlox 'Goldmine'
from René van Gaalen, The Netherlands

 
L: Phlox 'Natural Feelings'
from René van Gaalen, The Netherlands
R: Phlox 'Peppermint Twist'
from Jan Verschoor, The Netherlands

 
L: Phlox 'Pleasant Feelings'
from René van Gaalen The Netherlands
R: Phlox 'Sherbet Cocktail'
from Jan Verschoor, The Netherlands

 
L: Scabiosa 'Grand Stone'
from Pieter van Steijn, The Netherlands
R: Verbascum 'Flower of Scotland'
from Dick Maas, The Netherlands

 
L: Veronica 'Baby Doll' from Jan Verschoor,
The Netherlands
R: Veronica 'Fairytale' from Jan Verschoor,
The Netherlands



Veronica 'Purpleicious'
from Jan Verschoor, The Netherlands
 
The 2007 Selection
The Plant Chooser
By Miriam Young
An overview of the Darwin PlantSpotters 2007 range and the man responsible for their selection.
Also spotted!
The best of the rest
By Miriam Young
While the plants featured on this site and sold with the Darwin PlantSpotters label are undeniably special, there are also many other perennials we know PlantSpotters fans will love!
New Plants
Do you have a new variety?
By Miriam Young
Do you have a plant you have bred or discovered in your garden which you believe to be completely new? If so we'd love to hear from you!
Preferred by plantspeople
Back to the roots
By Hans Witteman
A plant is not another bag of potato chips, ready to be consumed. You've got to work first and that is actually part of the enjoyment.
In the shops
How to recognise a Darwin PlantSpotters variety
By Miriam Young
Darwin PlantSpotters varieties are easily identified by their distinctive labels.
Community
Getting involved
By Miriam Young
Be part of the plant future by taking part in discussions between hybridisers, growers, gardeners and everybody else involved.
How to use this site
Navigating your way around
By Miriam Young
Welcome to Darwin PlantSpotters. Just a few clicks and you will be experiencing gardening as you've never known it before!
Useful Links
Click here for information about other websites and organisations
By Miriam Young
If you like this site, here are some others you'll also find interesting.
FAQ
When is next year's list going to be available?
Why are so many of the Darwin PlantSpotters breeders from Holland?
Can I offer a plant to Darwin PlantSpotters?
What do the "hardy zones" refer to on the tags and plant descriptions?
more
Forum
What do you think about Darwin PlantSpotters?
more