About Us
Maarten van der Giessen A Visionary Leader
Maarten van der Giessen’s contributions to the horticultural industry have earned him widespread recognition. His achievements include numerous awards, such as the A Lifetime Achievement Award from Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association2024, The Exceptional The Service Award from the Azalea Society of America in 2023, honoring his decades-long dedication to azalea cultivation and education. As a prominent voice in the field, Maarten has served on various committees, chaired conventions, and authored insightful articles in The Azalean magazine.
His leadership extends beyond the nursery, with active involvement in projects like the preservation of the Aromi Hybrid Azalea Garden, a significant cultural and botanical asset at the Mobile Botanical Gardens.
A Commitment to Botanical Excellence
Cultivating World-Class Azaleas
The hallmark of Van der Giessen Nursery is its exceptional range of azaleas. From the vibrant Autumn Amethyst® to the striking Autumn Sangria®, the nursery offers an extensive selection that caters to diverse climates and aesthetic preferences. Each plant is meticulously cultivated to ensure optimal health and beauty
The Aromi Azalea Legacy
Maarten van der Giessen played a pivotal role in preserving the Aromi azaleas, a collection of over 1,000 hybrid varieties developed by Dr. Eugene Aromi. Recognizing their cultural and botanical significance, Maarten safeguarded the collection for over a decade before donating it to the Mobile Botanical Gardens. Today, the Aromi Azalea Collection stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these remarkable plants.
Educational and Industry Contributions
Awards and Accolades
In 2024, Maarten van der Giessen was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association (ALNLA). This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced Alabama’s Green Industry and contributed to the welfare of ALNLA. Recipients must have over 25 years of active involvement in the industry and maintain active membership with ALNLA.
Maarten’s expertise has been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including the Fellows Award from the International Plant Propagators’ Society in 2021. His lectures and writings have inspired countless horticulturists, reinforcing his status as a thought leader in the field.
These awards underscore Maarten’s enduring commitment to horticulture and his influential role in promoting sustainable practices and plant preservation in Southern Alabama.
Advocacy and Preservation
Beyond his work at the nursery, Maarten advocates for sustainable horticultural practices and the preservation of historic plant varieties. His efforts to restore and promote native azaleas highlight his commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.