

History
From a youthful passion for fishing to a leading company in the world of aquatic plants and ponds, the story of Van der Velde aquatic plants is one of growth, innovation and family tradition. Beginning with Simon's simple fishing for some pocket money, to international expansion under the name vdvelde.com; this journey illustrates an ongoing commitment to quality, nature and creating connecting green experiences for customers around the world.
Simon van der Velde
1972

The Origin - Simon van der Velde
As a 9-year-old, Simon discovered his passion for fishing and aquatic plants. What began with selling fish quickly evolved as he realized the potential of aquatic plants .
1986

African Adventures
Curious and adventurous, Simon traveled to West Africa, where he was introduced to tropical aquatic plants and discovered a new market.
1995

A New Home Base
Simon established his nursery in Bleiswijk, specializing in water lilies, oxygen plants and various other aquatic plants.
1998

International Expansion
The company expanded internationally with a new nursery in China, focusing on water lilies and riparian plants.
2012

Chris Enters
The second generation, Chris, joins the family business. With his drive for innovation, he introduced new concepts and strategies.
2013-2017

New Concepts and Strategies
In 2013, the idea for Waterworld emerged, presenting water plants in various forms made of glass and aquariums with plastic fish. The following year, in 2014, the first plans emerged to do something with carnivorous plants under the name Swampworld. In 2015, the Amazingworld concept developed further, with several side branches such as Swampworld, Desertworld, Waterworld, Veggieworld and Fruityworld. A year later, in 2016, Chris started for himself and established AmazingworldGifts: an online web store where Amazingworld products are available. The highlight came in 2017 when Amazingworld won a prestigious award in the flower and plant world, namely The Dutch Tulip Award.
2018-2020

Growth and Sustainable Renewal
In 2018, driven by the idea of sustainability, Ecoworld was launched: a product line where the packaging is produced carbon neutrally. The following year, in 2019, the Bonsaiworld brand saw the light of day. This brand embraced the Japanese living art and offered Bonsai trees in several variations. In 2020, it was realized that the AmazingworldGifts name was no longer adequate for all the existing brands and future plans. Therefore, the site was upgraded and the company continued under the new name GreenGifts.
2022

Roy's Accession
Simon's youngest son, Roy, joins the company, bringing a fresh perspective and continuing the family values and vision.
2023

Introducing vdvelde.com
Van der Velde aquatic plants is changing its name and look, becoming vdvelde.com. In addition to being the widely known pond specialist for more than 35 years, the company has set its sights on international expansion and a wider range of products. This change reflects the growth and integration of GreenGifts.nl, as well as a renewed focus on connecting with nature.

Want to read more about our nursery, growing method and our sustainable mission?
Simon has developed a unique breeding and delivery method over the years.