About Us
Our Story
What began as an aquatic plant nursery has evolved into a mission: to help people reconnect with nature.
At vdvelde.com, we believe that nature is the ultimate form of luxury—one that everyone deserves.
Our mission
Connect with Nature
Our mission is to protect biodiversity and reconnect people with nature. Not just in large nature reserves, but especially in gardens, ponds, urban gardens, and on balconies.
We believe in learning by doing. That’s why we offer not only plants, but also knowledge, advice, and guidance. For young and old alike. For experienced pond enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Our goal isn't revenue, but impact. The more ponds we help build or restore, the greater our success.
A pond doesn't require any equipment or chemicals. With the right plants and the right balance, nature itself ensures clear water.
The origins
The story of vdvelde.com begins with Simon van der Velde, an aquatic plant grower, pond specialist, and author of Simons Pond Advice*.
His fascination with water began as a child, when, at the age of nine, he caught small fish for the village grocer. A chance discovery—an aquatic plant that clung to his wet coat—led to his lifelong passion for Aquatic plants.
In 1986, Simon started his own nursery. What began as a small business grew into a family business with a clear philosophy: nature can take care of itself if you give it the chance.
He became known for his natural approach, which relied on neither technology nor chemicals, and helped thousands of pond enthusiasts achieve clear water using only plants and balance.
The start
Simon is starting his own aquatic plant nursery in Bleiswijk
Modern family business
🌿 Our own eco-friendly nursery in Bleiswijk
📦 A warehouse for direct shipping throughout Europe
👩🌾 A team that helps thousands of customers create natural ponds every day
The next generation
Today, the family business is run by Chris van der Velde. He shares his father’s passion, but has a fresh perspective on the future.
While Simon primarily worked as a grower and supplier to garden centers, Chris realized that the distance to the end customer was too great. He decided to adapt Simon’s expertise for the digital age, so that everyone could learn firsthand how nature itself provides clear water.
He developed vdvelde.com into a platform where plants, knowledge, and education come together. A place where customers don’t just shop, but also learn how to create their own little piece of nature.
We don’t just want to sell plants; we want people to experience how nature does the work itself.
Our nursery
Today, we still grow our plants in the same place where it all began: our 10,000-square-meter organic nursery in Bleiswijk.
Every year, we grow more than three million Aquatic plants Water lilies, 100% naturally. Our plants are carefully nurtured and Shipped directly from the nursery Shipped customers throughout Europe.
For us, it's all about organic growth
🌿 No pesticides or artificial lighting; just sun, rain, and time
💧 Rainwater collection and reuse
🔄 Recycling of plastic, pots, and cardboard
🌍 100% eco-friendly and sustainable
Core Values
These values are at the heart of everything we do
Who we're here for
Our focus is on consumers with a pond or balcony. But we also help:
- Landscape contractors and gardening professionalsoffering advice and planting services
- Governments and water boardsin the greening of lakes, shorelines, and public ponds
From a small pond on your balcony to a large lake in a park, we’re happy to help. We deliver throughout Europe, from small orders to full truckloads.
Our promise to you
At vdvelde.com, you buy directly from the nursery. That’s why our plants are always fresh, healthy, and Grown sustainably.
We stand behind everything we deliver 100%. If something goes wrong, we'll fix it—it's that simple.
This way, you can be sure your pond stays clear, healthy, and balanced.
Family-owned business since 1986