ingrid@sierplant.be
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An unusual nursery, where Laurus and Lagerstroemia from all over the world are first tested before finding their way to the enthusiast.
The Lagerstroemia collection is one of the largest in the world and is registered as an NPC Lagerstroemia guest collection, Boskoop (the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society, KVBC). The Lagerstroemia collection is still growing, but is focused primarily on varieties suitable for our climate.
In 2019, Geert and Ingrid received silver from the KVBC in Harry van Laar's garden for their Lagerstroemia indica ‘Eveline’
Ingrid and Geert grow and test the plants with passion and green fingers,
growers who do not sit still but continually search for plants to delight the hearts of plant lovers.
A look at their website lets you soak up the atmosphere a bit for your next visit...
One of their own selections is bay laurel ‘Chichester, named and donated to the Boys School of Chichester, with which they have a partnership. Another is bay laurel ‘Popeye’. And of course bay laurel ‘Hex Briljant’
Flemish laurel: The Laurus nobilis has been since the 17of century a typically Flemish crop, actually even more Bruges than Ghent, but there are indeed growers from Bruges who have moved to the Ghent area. Whether it has to do with the maritime climate or the Flandrian work ethic of the grower, the fact remains that growing laurel takes at least 5 to 7 years before a plant may be called a Flemish Laurel. Geert Devriese, who together with Ingrid manages the ornamental plant nursery, felt as chairman of the Flemish Laurel Association that they also had to have a traditional crop recognised.
As laurel growers, they are therefore rightly proud to be recognised alongside such products as the Ghent azalea, Flemish Brabant table grape, Brussels ground chicory and Poperinge hop shoots.
Whether a party or dish with bay leaf now has even more lustre than before, or whether a pot of stew will now taste or smell better, who knows, but as a Belgian we must be proud of Flemish bay.
To familiarise you with the scent of Bay in all its guises, they often bring along a ‘sniffing post’.
Grower's choice September 2024
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Eveline’ (‘LAGE01’PBR)
Lagerstroemia indica Eveline (Crape Myrtle, Indian Lilac, Summer Lilac, Queen of Flowers) is a stunning plant with an inspiring story. The discoverer of the plant was so impressed by her beauty that he named her after his granddaughter. And beautiful she certainly is! Eveline flowers profusely in summer and autumn with large blooms. With her pastel-pink flower colour and fresh green foliage, Eveline makes your garden shine. In terms of shape, too, she is a picture to behold. This new Lagerstroemia also distinguishes herself because of her easy growth.
Eveline is hardy to approx. -18º Celsius. The plant prefers a spot in full sun, in moist and permeable soil. After 10 years, Eveline reaches a height of 2 metres. A perfect choice for a shrub border or in a container on your patio or terrace!
We wish the Devriese family congratulations on their recognition as an official arboretum
The nationally recognised plant collections of Geert Devriese and Ingrid Luyssen in Wingene have achieved prestigious international status. Following a rigorous inspection, the unique collection has been officially accredited as the National Lagerstroemia & Laurus Arboretum (Level II) by the worldwide ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program in the United States. As a result, the West-Flemish collection is included in the renowned Morton Register of Arboreta.
Unique botanical treasury
The arboretum houses an exceptional genetic database of woody plants. With around 300 taxa, the Lagerstroemia collection (crape myrtle) is the absolute best in Europe. The collection is unique due to the presence of the legendary historical selections by the American breeder Dr Donald Egolf, supplemented by rare botanical variations of Lagerstroemia subcostata and Lagerstroemia fauriei. In addition, the arboretum houses a historically crucial collection of more than 40 different cultivars of Laurus nobilis (the certified Flemish laurel), including the rare Laurus novocanariensis and its own architectural ‘Muses of Alloro’ topiary series.
Climate research and international cooperation
The arboretum acts as an important testing ground in the Western European maritime climate zone. Long-term research is conducted into the winter hardiness, flowering potential and disease resistance of the crops.
For managers Geert Devriese and Ingrid Luyssen, the accreditation is the crowning achievement of their work: “This recognition is a wonderful reward for our years of effort and passion. It immediately opens doors to international networks and botanical institutions worldwide. This gives us the unique opportunity to make our collections even more complete in the future through the exchange of seeds and knowledge.”
Accessibility
To optimally protect the active trial plots and provide visitors with expert explanation, the National Lagerstroemia & Laurus Arboretum is strictly open by appointment throughout the year for dendrologists, green professionals, students and interested private plant enthusiasts. In addition, the curators provide educational guided tours annually and share their expertise at various major garden shows. Photo Flaxton Meadows
