The process begins with gathering seeds from plants grown together so that there are many cross pollinations between them.

Harrie estimates that he sews 3000-5000 seeds from the first crossings, and the resulting plants have to be whittled down each year until only the very best are left.

Thousands of seedlings labelled by the mother plant they came from. Who knows what gems lie within these trays?

From that first sewing he selects just 100 plants to keep, growing them in the ground and in pots to test their qualities. He’ll discard about 20 each year as the seedlings reveal more about their habits. Throwing plants away is the hardest part, but Harrie knows that this is the most important discipline a breeder can have.

The complete process may take up to 8 years, during which time there is no financial reward for nurturing and observing the plants. Not to mention the amount of growing space they take up at the nursery! “With breeding you have to have patience” explains Harrie in acknowledgement of the amount of time which has to be invested in the realization of worthwhile new varieties.  

But in the end it’s all worthwhile, as proven by the introduction of a number of plants from Harrie’s first 2 completed programs.

Harrie together with 'Heart and Soul'

The ‘Music’ series featuring such names as ‘Rock & Roll’, ‘Drum & Bass’ and ‘Rhythm & Blues’ are the results of the first crossings made back in 1990.

The second series of plants originally crossed in 1998 are just finding their way into gardens now, and include ‘Diamonds & Pearls’ and ‘Heart & Soul’ alongside such names as 'Alive and Kicking', 'Love and Pride' and 'Stand and Deliver'. Harrie's intention for this second generation was to name them for 'sayings', though coincidentally most of them turned out to also be the titles of UK chart hits from the 1980s!

This second generation are all crossings with A. chinensis, so as well as their great colours, the plants have increased strength and tolerance for sun.

So what's next?

Harrie would love to create a bright red Astilbe - he's working on it, so watch this space!