Klaus Wagener Discovers the Craft Behind Growing Chrysanthemums as 'Grow...

Every bouquet starts long before the flowers reach the vase. Behind every stem lies a story of planning, patience, and countless decisions made months in advance. With the latest episode of Grower for a Day, Decorum Plants & Flowers invites viewers behind the scenes – this time through the eyes of renowned floral designer Klaus Wagener.

Three Growers, Three Unique Stories

In this inspiring episode, Klaus spends a full day exploring Chrysanthemums by visiting three very different growers: Vitaflor, Janity Flowers, and Kwekerij Chrywijk. Each grower offers its own perspective, yet all share the same goal – growing flowers that meet the highest standards.

Vitaflor

At Vitaflor, tradition and innovation grow side by side. This family-run business focuses on one standout variety: The Chic Chrysanthemum, where sustainability is not just a trend but a part of everyday operations. Biological crop protection replaces conventional methods wherever possible, creating a living ecosystem that supports healthy plants while minimizing environmental impact.

For Klaus, this visit reveals how nature itself can become an ally in cultivation. What might seem like a simple flower is, in reality, the result of careful observation and respect for natural balance.

Klaus:

"It is amazing how the production and the packing area is organized. Decorum is a high-quality brand and they only include the best nurseries in their network."

Janity Flowers

At Janity Flowers, the scale shifts exponentially. Producing more than 13 million spray Chrysanthemums each year, the focus here is precision. Every plant follows a carefully controlled process supported by LED lighting and advanced climate systems. Technology plays a central role, ensuring uniform growth and consistent quality from the first stem to the last.

Kwekerij Chrywijk

Meanwhile, Kwekerij Chrywijk adds a burst of color to the journey. Known for their Santini Chrysanthemums, this nursery specializes in varieties that bring versatility to modern floral work. From compact bouquets to big centerpieces, this flower offers the kind of flexibility designers rely on to create movement and texture.

Different Perspectives, Same Goal

Vitaflor’s living system is designed to replace traditional crop protection methods. Instead of relying solely on chemicals, beneficial organisms help maintain plant health naturally.

Yet technology also plays its part. From robotic systems to precisely controlled environments, Janity Flowers demonstrates how science and craftsmanship combine to deliver reliable, high-quality flowers.

At Kwekerij Chrywijk, they show how every step in the process is done by hand.

Check the video below.

The Story Behind Every Stem

What makes this episode of Grower for a Day so compelling is the bigger message it reveals. The Chrysanthemum you see in a finished bouquet didn’t happen overnight. Its journey began months earlier, shaped by choices about timing, temperature, light, and care.

For florists, designers, and flower lovers alike, this behind-the-scenes look gives insight into the work that happens long before the flowers arrive on the workbench.

Because once you see the dedication behind each bloom, every bouquet tells a richer story.

FAQ

What is Decorum?

Decorum is the premium brand of over fifty Dutch growers. All are family-owned businesses, many of which are third or fourth-generation. These growers work together to create a strong brand that stands for high quality, innovation, and sustainability.

When is a product labeled as Decorum?

Each grower has a list of requirements that a product must meet to be delivered in Decorum packaging. This includes criteria such as the minimum number of flower buds, size, minimum weight, diameter, size of the flower or plant, and ripeness. Each company designs its quality process differently, depending on the specific product the grower cultivates. Some use scales, others use cameras, while some growers select everything by hand or use a combination thereof. Finally, and critically important, Decorum utilizes independent external quality controllers who verify in the supply chain that all Decorum flowers and plants meet the required standards. This confirms and strengthens the commitment to quality.

What is the 'Grower for a Day' series?

Following A Path to Floral Mastery, Decorum launches a new documentary series: Grower for a Day. In this series, renowned master florists and international experts literally step into the world of Decorum growers.

Joseph Massie, Klaus Wagener, Michael Perry (aka Mr. Plant Geek), and Nadia Duran visit all Decorum growers. They lend a hand, ask questions, and experience firsthand the real work behind every plant and flower. From early mornings in the greenhouse to practical tasks and day-to-day decisions, everything is covered.

These encounters yield surprising insights, educational conversations, and frequent moments that are sure to make you smile. No frills, no final floral creations, just a strong focus on the craftsmanship, knowledge, and dedication of the grower.

Grower for a Day offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective and shows what it takes, day to day, to grow top-quality plants and flowers. A series that inspires both enthusiasts and professionals, while sparking curiosity about the world behind every Decorum plant and flower.

Each month, a new episode of Grower for a Day follows a master florist or well-known industry professional as they step into the shoes of a grower. The goal is simple yet powerful: show where the top-quality process begins and why craftsmanship at the grower level makes all the difference further down the chain.