A look back at the 3rd edition of the Jardin d’essai by Zyromski Horticulture

On August 6, the Groupex team hit the road to Rivière-Rouge for the 3rd edition of the Jardin d’essai, an event hosted by our supplier partner Zyromski Horticulture. More than just a site visit, the day captured what sets the cooperative model apart: direct, lasting relationships between members, suppliers, and the co-op, to everyone’s benefit.

Over 700 varieties, one shared goal: better equipping our members

On site, more than 700 plant varieties were on display, sourced from well-known suppliers who are part of Groupex’s network of over 180 partners: Selecta, Studio Verde, Danziger, Suntory, Greenex, Proven Winners, Beekenkamp, Vivero, Hendriks, and Westhoff. Outdoor gardens, indoor arrangements, and upcoming seasonal novelties gave attendees privileged early access to the horticultural trends that will shape the seasons ahead.

For a cooperative like Groupex, a gathering like this is more than a showcase. It’s a chance to see up close what our supplier partners are developing, ask questions directly to industry experts, and bring that knowledge back to our members — landscaping businesses and garden centres that don’t always have the time to visit every supplier individually.

A conference, a shared vision

The day also included a talk by Nicolas Zyromski, who shared his take on horticultural market trends and the direction the company is taking for upcoming seasons. [Add a quote or key takeaway from Nicolas’s talk here.]

This kind of exchange ties directly back to Groupex’s mission: negotiating collectively so that every member benefits individually from easier access to innovation, better pricing, and the right products at the right time.

The strength of the network, in action

Beyond the numbers and the new plant varieties, what stands out from a day like this is the strength of the relationships between the cooperative and its supplier partners. These relationships — built year after year — are what allow Groupex to negotiate advantageous agreements and guarantee reliable supply for its members, even during peak season.

The 3rd edition of the Jardin d’essai wrapped up with a relaxed 5 à 7 reception, a chance to continue the day’s conversations in a more casual setting — a good reminder that behind every business agreement, there are first and foremost human relationships.

Thank you to the entire Zyromski team

Groupex would like to warmly thank the whole Zyromski Horticulture team for their hospitality and for organizing this day. Events like this reinforce what we already know: the stronger our network of supplier partners, the more directly our members benefit.

Are you a landscaping business or garden centre looking to tap into a network of over 180 supplier partners? Become a Groupex member.

At Groupex, we believe that the best ideas are often born in the field. That’s why our Open House (POP) has become a signature event for our members over the years.

On September 19, participants will gather at Dubois Aménagement in the Eastern Townships for a day dedicated to inspiration, knowledge sharing, and professional networking.

Discover the Expertise of a Fellow Member

Throughout the afternoon, participants will tour three landscaping projects across the Eastern Townships—an opportunity to explore exceptional outdoor spaces, discuss the challenges behind each project, and discover different approaches to landscape design and construction.

These site visits offer a firsthand look at our members’ expertise while providing fresh ideas and inspiration for future projects.

More Than a Visit—A Chance to Connect

Beyond the projects themselves, Groupex’s Open House is, above all, an opportunity to bring entrepreneurs together, encourage meaningful conversations, and strengthen the relationships that make our cooperative so unique.

The day will continue at Dubois Aménagement with a tour of the company’s facilities, followed by a festive networking reception where participants can continue exchanging ideas in a relaxed atmosphere over food truck fare and cocktails.

Growing Together as a Community

One of Groupex’s greatest strengths is, without a doubt, its community. The Open House perfectly reflects our commitment to sharing knowledge, experience, and success stories to help our entire network grow stronger.

By discovering our members’ accomplishments, exchanging ideas with fellow entrepreneurs, and exploring new ways of working, we continue to move our industry forward—together.

A special thank you to Dubois Aménagement for opening its doors and providing our members with the opportunity to enjoy a day of learning, inspiration, and collaboration. We are already looking forward to showcasing the remarkable projects that await in the Eastern Townships.

The primary goal of this week is to raise public awareness about the value of cooperatives and to highlight how they contribute to the well-being of their members. In Canada, Cooperation Week takes place from October 15th to 21st, 2023. Groupex therefore wishes to proudly celebrate its status as a cooperative.

The strength of Cooperation in 2023

For us, what binds us enriches us, and each member is an important player. Just like you, our coop members are owners of small or large businesses. Each of them brings their knowledge, skills, and experience to the table;

Why are cooperatives so special? 

At the heart of a cooperative, you find a philosophy of sharing. Imagine a place where your voice echoes with the same strength as everyone else’s, where profits are shared fairly. Visualize a structure that, even in the face of headwinds, remains stable and rooted in its community. It’s this democracy, this constant concern for the well-being of its members, that makes cooperatives so special in your eyes.

Top 5 reasons to partner with Groupex Horticultural Cooperative

1. Supply Benefits: The best pricing conditions, payment terms, and delivery times. Additionally, a pre-approved Groupex credit line facilitates transactions with our suppliers, without the administrative hassles.
2. Access to a Wider Variety of Products and Services: More than 180 partnerships with top suppliers in the horticultural industry.
3. Save Time: A single statement twice a month for all your transactions. The cooperative’s team is at your disposal.
4. Volume Discounts and Profits: 100% of the volume discounts and profits of the cooperative are returned to you.
5. Knowledge Sharing: We provide platforms and create events that allow our entrepreneurs to exchange information and ideas.

Your journey to Groupex Horticultural Cooperative: How to join?

The path to your integration at Groupex is designed to be simple and transparent. Here’s how to navigate it: : 

• The initial approach: It all starts with an exchange. Sébastien Cordeau, ready to guide you, is waiting. Whether you choose to contact him directly or fill out the form, he will be your first point of reference.
• File and affinities: Once in contact, you will receive a membership form and a checklist of documents. These tools will help to assess the compatibility between your vision and that of the cooperative.
• The careful eye of the council: With all the information provided, your file will pass under the eyes of our board of directors, who will validate your entry.
• The warm welcome: Once approved, you will be fully integrated into Groupex. Trainings, meetings, and special moments will be offered to familiarize you with your new environment.

Basic Criteria:

ou have:

• The same values as us.
• A thriving and vibrant business in gardening/landscaping/decking.
• Plenty of ideas and the boldness to want to share them.
• $100,000 in annual purchasing capacity.
• Solid financial statements.
• A positive working capital. Good news, so do we

Joining Groupex Horticultural Cooperative offers a unique opportunity for your business. It means connecting with a community where every individual has their place, where mutual aid and solidarity are at the heart of exchanges. Are you ready to join us in this wonderful adventure?