This time I did something completely different, I went into the heart of Royal FloraHolland with Linda de Ruiter, a seasoned auctioneer at the flower auction in Rijnsburg, whose passion and expertise are an example of the vibrant world of seasonal and specialty flowers.
Linda de Ruiter Is the Pulse of Royal FloraHolland
Linda de Ruiter's career in the floral world began in the early 1980s, pioneering as a 'flying Dutchman to England with her partner. By the late 90s, they expanded their horizons to East Germany, continuing their wholesale out of the truck. Today, Linda stands as a pillar at Royal FloraHolland Rijnsburg, dedicating 15 years to her role as an auctioneer, guiding the seasons' flowers through the intricate dance of the flower auction.
Renowned for her deep understanding and affinity for flowers, Linda has become the trusted face for seasonal and specialty flower growers, who often choose Rijnsburg for its intimate scale and her keen eye. Her role goes beyond the auction; Linda is a mentor and guide, visiting over 120 growers annually, and offering her insights and support. Her presence is felt within the auction house and the broader floriculture community, evident through her active engagement on social media platforms like Facebook.
Linda's commitment extends to nurturing the next generation of growers. She offers a guiding hand to newcomers, inviting them to Rijnsburg, providing them with invaluable tips on presentation and ripeness, and acting as a liaison with the auction's quality inspectors. This ensures that every bloom presented under her watch is a testament to quality and beauty.
A Day at the Auction
Each morning, Linda's day begins before dawn, walking through rows of 750 carts filled with offerings from her growers, each cart an example of dedication and passion. As the clock strikes 6:00 AM, the auction comes to life. In her tranquil office, undisturbed, Linda orchestrates the auction with precision and grace, announcing each product, grower's name, stem length, and special notes – whether it's the season's first or last flower or a batch of exceptionally high-quality.
Linda and her colleague Marjan, the second commanding presence in the auction room, alternate every hour, ensuring a seamless flow of knowledge and expertise. This meticulously choreographed process, lasting until around 08:45 AM, is not just an auction; it's a performance where the beauty of the growers meets the rhythm of commerce.
The range of products Linda presents is vast, encompassing the early bloomers like Scilla, Chanenelis, and Magnolia, to flowers like Hesperis and the first summer flowers, and later, the autumnal richness of berries, viburnum, Callicarpa, Ilex, and Rosehips. It's a year-round celebration of nature's diversity, showcasing unique offerings from growers who are often the sole cultivators of their kind.
Linda de Ruiter Is The Heartbeat of Royal FloraHolland
Linda de Ruiter's role as an auctioneer transcends the daily auction; it's about bringing the beauty of each season's flower to light, supporting the growers, and upholding the highest standards of quality and beauty. In the buzzing halls of Royal FloraHolland Rijnsburg, Linda stands as a testament to passion, expertise, and the enduring beauty of flowers.
