Member in Focus: Bernhard Nill Gartenbaubetrieb
Ellingen, Deutschland
Founded in the 19th century by the great-grandfather as a commercial nursery in Weißenburg (Middle Franconia), the family business has been based in Ellingen since 1977. Today, more than a million plants are cultivated here annually across an area of eleven hectares—primarily heather (Calluna), lavender, and Sempervivum, as well as bedding and balcony plants.
Bernhard Nill Gartenbaubetrieb at a glance.
To us, our members are more than just numbers and facts.
Bernhard Nill and his daughter Catharina make a great team. Together with eight other employees, they successfully run the horticultural business. Lavender defines the landscape in June, while in September, the Calluna plants—which account for around 70% of total sales—glow brilliantly, visible from afar. The expansive site high up at the Windhof in Ellingen offers plenty of space for integrated potted plant production, which successfully combines conventional crop protection with alternative methods.
Ellingen
Deutschland
Questions for getting to know each other.
What matters to our members matters to us, too.
Bernhard Nill
Managing Director
1. How long have you been with the company, and what are your current roles and responsibilities?
I joined the business here in 1992 after completing my master gardener qualification in Veitshöchheim. Back then, my father and I successfully switched production from *Erica* to *Calluna* varieties. Today, I am primarily responsible for personnel, crop management, and plant protection.
2. What advantages do you associate with your work?
I’m always tanned and look the picture of health. Jokes aside: I’m actually very happy to spend so much time outdoors, close to nature. My father was right—we work in a workshop without a roof.
3. In your view, what makes your company special?
For one thing, there is the long tradition of our business. For another, our commitment to constantly trying new things and operating sustainably. A few examples: our growing areas are equipped with sports-field-style drainage systems, which allows us to save water. We use specialized plant strengtheners and fertilizers. We have also included strawberries and roses in our product range in the past. In recent years, we have worked extensively with lavender propagated from cuttings. I am very satisfied, and I am especially pleased that my daughter is so actively involved.
4. Who are your customers and where can your products be found?
We distribute our plants through wholesale channels and, for the past few years, through specialist retailers in southern Germany and Austria as well. We place great importance on building relationships based on trust; we maintain regular communication with our customers and work together to find solutions to any issues that arise. Honesty and a spirit of cooperation are our top priorities—both internally and in our dealings with customers and other business partners.
5. What challenges are you currently facing in your daily life?
September is peak season for *Calluna*. We have to work particularly quickly and efficiently, as orders must be delivered right on schedule. We don’t keep any plants in cold storage; we deliver everything fresh and just-in-time. Every move has to be precise.
6. Which risks do you consider particularly critical for your business operations?
For one thing, there is the increasing water shortage, which ultimately affects the entire horticultural sector. Added to this is the fact that peat-reduced production—as demanded by policymakers—poses significant challenges for us, particularly with *Calluna*. It is going to be a difficult path ahead.
7. Has your company already experienced a loss event?
Yes, several, in fact. Among them was a major fire, as well as significant damage from hail and storms. I am very grateful that our horticultural forebears founded the horticultural insurance association, because having coverage in the event of damage is vital for the business’s survival.
8. How have you experienced the support provided by Gartenbau-Versicherung so far?
Very good. Both in terms of general advice and claims processing. Everything was handled very quickly and straightforwardly every time. I would strongly advise all my colleagues to always keep their policies up to date. It is really easy to do this when speaking with the field representatives; they are experts you can talk to on an equal footing.
9. What request do you have for the Gartenbau-Versicherung?
I am perfectly happy; I have everything I could wish for.
