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E-Mail: info@isu-perennials.org

21 Nov 2025

Successful ISU Future Days 2025 in Austria

ISU President Jana Holzbecherová welcomed 50 participants from 14 countries to Langenlois, Austria. Katrin Lugerbauer (Austria) explained in her presentation which native perennials can survive climate change. She recommended looking for suitable plants even in the Pannonian climate, such as in Hungary.

Designing attractive and durable perennial plantings requires expertise, knowledge of assortments and care, as well as innovation, explained designer Sabine Plenk from Austria. She emphasized the importance of exchange between breeders and landscape designers. Preston Montague (USA) advocated for more native plants and thus a natural look. Recently, he has been working increasingly with seed mixtures he has developed himself from native prairie plants and uses many aspects such as rhythm, pattern, and contrast. Belgian Steffen Van Steenberghe presented the challenges of being a young plant designer in the context of climate change and sees high biodiversity as an opportunity in design.

Sustainability in production was the topic addressed by Jeroen Vredegoor (NL). However, he also drew parallels with human relationships. Michael Munch (Austria) reported on planning and practical gardening in a botanical garden and illustrated the work with botanical taxonomy using examples.

Christian Kress from Austria shared his experiences with the propagation of perennials and alpine plants. The presentation by Janos Agoston from Hungary on the diagnosis and control of pests in perennials led to a lively discussion.

In group discussions, the participants identified peat-free substrates, pot recycling, fertilizers, mycorrhiza, the use of AI, organic farming, practical training for young gardeners, water recycling, sustainability in design, native plants for garden centers, the problem of untrained/unskilled workers, public green space maintenance, and networking between landscape architects and nurseries.

All participants also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the ISU, which was founded in Hanover in 1965 by German, Dutch, and Swiss perennial nurseries with the aim of coordinating their interests at an international level.

The excursion took participants to three different horticultural businesses in Lower Austria: Hameter Stauden, Paskac, and Oberleitner Gartenkultur. The next Future Days will take place in October 2027 in the Netherlands.

Approximately 50 participants, speakers and sponsors gathered in October for the second Future Days event organised by the International Perennial Union in Langenlois.
Approximately 50 participants, speakers and sponsors gathered in October for the second Future Days event organised by the International Perennial Union in Langenlois. (Fotos: Maciej Strzelczyk)
Sixty years ago, German, Dutch and Swiss perennial gardeners founded the ISU. International exchange on production, design and business management is still important today, as seen here in group discussions at Future Days.
Sixty years ago, German, Dutch and Swiss perennial gardeners founded the ISU. International exchange on production, design and business management is still important today, as seen here in group discussions at Future Days.
When cultivating perennials, questions of use in the context of climate change and design aspects are becoming increasingly relevant. This also became apparent during the visit to the Praskac perennial nursery.
When cultivating perennials, questions of use in the context of climate change and design aspects are becoming increasingly relevant. This also became apparent during the visit to the Praskac perennial nursery.
Some impressions can be seen in these photos of the event.

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