Screenshot of a search for trees suitable for Canning Vale, a suburb of Perth, WA (Image: Supplied by author)
By Samantha Newton
Our cities are increasingly challenged by expanding human population and climate change. Resilient urban green spaces are recognised as critical for the development and sustainability of liveable cities for the future, providing a range of ecosystem services and benefits.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
Horticultural enterprises today have access to an increasingly broader and evolved range of equipment and technologies, which are still revealing themselves step by step. Much of the transformation in this space is occurring on-farm, with robots and artificial intelligence increasingly used to drive productivity.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are real world considerations for horticulture these days. While there are several drivers of the trend where do we, as humans, sit in the considerations?
From a purely economic or business perspective the development and adoption of robotics is often considered a ‘no brainer’.… Continue reading
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In 2007 all company activities were combined in the revolutionary Priva Campus Building in De Lier, Netherlands
News edited by John Fitzsimmons
Dutch company Priva last month marked its 65th year of business with a list of major new products and technical developments at Green Tech 2024 in Amsterdam.
Priva was founded in 1959 by Jan Prins and his uncle Cor Valk as Valk en Prins to import heaters for greenhouses; heaters that were safer and cleaner to use than existing solutions.… Continue reading
Read MoreCompiled and edited by John Fitzsimmons
As Dutch startup Cubic Grow BV points out, horticulture is on the verge of a radical transformation with robotics, automation, and autonomous cultivation enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and optimising product quality. Often, it’s not about inventing the mousetrap but certainly about making a better one.… Continue reading
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Robotics are increasingly taking the effort out of traditional labouring tasks and improving labour productivity (Image by John Fitzsimmons)
By John Fitzsimmons
Over recent months, pressures have been building on nearly all sectors of the economy. Previously undetected stress cracks are appearing daily, with outcomes ranging from annoying to catastrophic. And yet, as the old saying “it’s an ill wind that blows no-one any good” goes, there are still thrivers among the survivors.… Continue reading
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The correct loading technique using your lower body minimises strain on your back and shoulders (Image: Patrick Regnault)
By Patrick Regnault
Small tools are the basis of our trade. Secateurs, pruning and grafting knives, shovels and spades, picks, and hoes, and so much more. Some of the small tools have been used for centuries and reached their final forms a very long time ago.… Continue reading
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Quality, consistency and uniformity can be enhanced with new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) (Image: John Fitzsimmons)
Time to adjust our thinking.
By John Fitzsimmons
Reviewing recent developments in horticulture, and in particular in greenhouse production, is a regular process for growers and specialist media. But with the rapid emergence and development of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensory capabilities and robotics, it is time to look beyond hardware and even services and consider more holistically what our growing business needs and wants are.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
Just what are the most common tools and structures used by successful greenlife growers? A visit to Boomaroo Nurseries outside Geelong in Victoria during the recent IPPS conference generated much interest and provided a useful site as a basis for discussion of such ideas.… Continue reading
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Imagine concurrent light transmission and power generation for the greenhouse. It could be possible with new nano coating technology (Image: John Fitzsimmons)
By John Fitzsimmons
Depending on location, energy usage can be the second largest operational expense in commercial greenhouse crop cultivation, and despite greenhouses providing the controlled environments needed for innovative research, they can be energy intensive and expensive to light, heat and cool.… Continue reading
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