Together with his wife, Annie Seys, André Devisch started his own horticultural company in Jabbeke in the early 1970s. Originally, they only grew lettuce and tomatoes, both outside and under glass. After the first years they switched to other crops and opted for bedding plants and Erica gracilis until they discovered their love for Laurel.
The Bruges laurel
As son and daughter from a true farming family, the transition to horticulture went quite smoothly. They were inspired by the story of the Bruges laurel: before WWII you would find dozens of nurseries in and around the West Flemish capital. The war severely affected it and after 1945 little was left of the laurel tradition.
Together, André and Annie revived the floriculture and completely revived the noble laurel. They built up expertise in Laurus Nobilis and ensured optimisation of horticultural systems, with a patent on their irrigation system.
Construction of the Orangery
The creation of the orangery arose from the need for a high greenhouse in which our plants, which reach up to 5-6 meters, could find shelter during the winter months. First the construction of the impressive main greenhouse started and then the building got its definitive character with the addition of the impressive orangery.
This expansion provided new possibilities and has since been used mainly as a wintering area. In addition, the orangery serves as a versatile space for events and exhibitions. A truly unique architectural masterpiece that not only embodies class and style, but also demonstrates thoughtful functionality and aesthetics.
A new generation of laurel growers
As an authentic family business, it did not take long before son and daughter joined Lauretum. Elie first followed extensive training in the United States to be fully prepared for the laurel business. Sybiel was responsible for the commercialisation of the company and also took on a decorative approach with a subtle touch.
Expansion of expertise
Today Lauretum is internationally known as a market leader. We have a wide and varied range of hardy, evergreen and multi-stem plants and assist our customers with personal, tailor-made advice. In order to maintain that service, we decided in 2019 to each go our own way and thus further expand our passion.
Elie and Marian emphasize the production of laurel under the name Laurica-Plants for wholesale.
Sybiel and Tom, together with their team, focus on further growing laurel and other plants for individuals and companies. You can also contact them for rental plants and events.
Visit the Laurica-Plants website
Discover the story from cutting to plant and the innovative and environmentally friendly cultivation methods that Laurica-Plants uses to create the high-quality laurels.
Visit Laurica-Plants
Garden Boutique
To give our wide range of quality greenery a suitable place at our nursery, we also officially inaugurated the Garden Boutique in 2020. In Jabbeke you will find a wide choice of hardy, evergreen and multi-stem plants and trees. An oasis of green where you can relax and find inspiration for your own garden.
Curious about what our Garden Boutique has to offer?
Our garden boutique is accessible to both private individuals and professionals. Discover our full range on the website, drop in during opening hours or make a private appointment.
Contact us