G.C. Stolwijk & Co. proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: 100 years in business
In 2026, G.C. Stolwijk & Co. proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: 100 years in business. What started in 1926 with the spirit of founder Gerard Stolwijk has grown into a well-respected name within the international plant trade.
The company’s story began in Boskoop, the heart of the Dutch nursery industry. Founder Gerard Stolwijk (1st) travelled to England at an early stage to sell Dutch plants to nurseries, garden centres, and wholesalers. Riding his well-known moped, he visited customers personally to present and sell his assortment. Only after having enough orders, he would return to the Netherlands.
From Boskoop, the plants then began their long journey to England first by train and later by boat. It could take months before the plants finally arrived at the customer’s location.
With the arrival of the second-generation Cees, Theo, Ton, and Gerard (2nd ) Stolwijk the business continued to expand. In addition to England, new markets such as Germany were developed. Were they visit customers with plant catalogues. The company grew rapidly, supported by both its own nursery and the many growers in the Boskoop region.
The third generation also brought new energy to the company. Hans, Gerard (3rd) , and Ronald Stolwijk introduced the so-called “samplevan,” travelling with a wide range of plants so customers could see the products in person. By sourcing plants from growers throughout the Netherlands, they were able to offer every customer a beautiful and unique selection.
Today, the fourth generation is stepping into the family business: Marit, Danny, Nout, and Onno Stolwijk. Continuing the tradition, they travel throughout the United-Kingdom with their samplevans, personally visiting customers and sharing their passion for plants. Throughout the generations, the Stolwijk family has built knowledge across a wide range of plants.
Over the years, G.C. Stolwijk & Co B.V. has specialized in sourcing and introducing unique plants every year, the company presents a range of new varieties and innovations to garden centres, nurseries, and wholesalers. Personal relationships and a strong passion for the industry continues to play an important role in the company.
The company has also become a familiar face at the Four Oaks Trade Show, where they have proudly presented their plants for many years. This anniversary year will be no exception, as G.C. Stolwijk & Co. once again looks forward to showcasing its assortment with pride to customers and partners from across the industry.
After 100 years, the family business looks back with pride on its pasts years, while continuing to look ahead to the future with the same spirit on which it was founded.