At Ammerlaan TGI, innovation drives both their diverse plant assortment and the advanced tools they rely on, like Ridder’s groundbreaking RES 20 D FR climate screen.
The name Ammerlaan is synonymous with TGI, The Green Innovator. This pot plant nursery, led by brothers Menno and Leon Ammerlaan in Pijnacker, earned its title not just through pioneering geothermal heat use but also with its forward-thinking approach to plant cultivation. Spanning six hectares, their nursery is home to around 100 plant varieties, many thriving under Ridder’s innovative RES 20 D FR climate screen. This cutting-edge screen diffuses light with an impressive 82% hortiscatter—ideal for tall crops—while also providing superior moisture management.
From left to rightL Tiemo Bodemann from Ridder and Menno Ammerlaan.
Managing 100 plant varieties: a constant challenge
Cultivating 100 different plant varieties is no small feat. “It’s something you grow into,” says Menno Ammerlaan, who shares daily management responsibilities with his brother Leon. “We’re always experimenting with new varieties—it’s a never-ending journey here. Keeping the assortment fresh and innovative is key to staying ahead in the market.”
Their nursery primarily supplies garden centers. “We have seedlings that stay with us for two and a half years, alongside plants ready to ship in six weeks. Our assortment is incredibly diverse—even in size. For example, we dedicate 8,000 square meters to Kentias alone, and our plants range from 40 centimeters to 3.5 meters tall.” The most expensive variety? “Beaucarneas,” Menno adds with a smile.
Innovating with Climate Screens: one section at a Time
Innovation at Ammerlaan goes beyond their diverse assortment. In 2010, they became the first nursery to adopt geothermal energy, heating not just their operation but also nearby growers, homes, schools, and even a swimming pool. Across six compartments, they use various types of climate screens. “We use screens throughout the day for energy conservation and sunlight management—especially in autumn when adjustments are needed daily,” Menno explains. When it comes to choosing climate screens, Ammerlaan focuses on staying ahead. “We’re always looking for the latest advancements. With so many compartments, we replace one section each year to avoid upgrading everything at once.”
A New Standard in Diffuse Climate Screens
The latest addition to their toolkit is Ridder’s RES 20 D FR climate screen, a product that redefines diffuse light distribution. While Ridder has offered diffuse screens for years, the RES 20 D FR pushes boundaries. Compared to the 53% hortiscatter of standard diffuse screens like the RES 10 D FR, the new model achieves an extraordinary 82%.
“Diffuse light is essential for tall plants like ours,” Menno explains. “With clear screens, you often get shadow streaks from gutters. Diffuse screens filter light evenly across the entire compartment, which is why we prefer them. The more diffuse the light, the better.”
“We tested it, and it works”
Managing humidity in a greenhouse can be tricky, but the RES 20 D FR offers a smart solution. “We tested it, and it works,” Menno confirms. “Excess moisture can easily become a problem. It gets too wet, and then you need to ventilate or invest in a dehumidifier—neither of which are ideal. With this screen, the moisture escapes and is carried off through the cover. It also prevents algae growth, which can occur if conditions stay too wet for too long. That’s why we chose this Ridder climate screen. We always evaluate what’s on the market—not by brand, but by what type of screen fits our needs best.”
The perfect climate screen?
Does this mean the RES 20 D FR is the perfect climate screen for Ammerlaan TGI? “Not quite,” Menno clarifies. “With so many different crops, each with unique needs, our compartments can look completely different from one year to the next. Instead of optimizing for one specific screen, we focus on balancing properties. If you commit to one type of screen, you lose flexibility. We prefer versatile compartments where we can grow any crop, anywhere.”
Curious how the RES 20 D FR can transform your greenhouse? Reach out to Arjan van der Klauw, our Sales Manager Climate Screens:
Email: a.vanderklaauw@ridder.com
Phone: +31 852 373 303
Or simply fill out our contact form today. We’re happy to help you find the perfect solution for your greenhouse!
Recent Projects