Anyone who walks through the greenhouses of the De Nijs family today immediately feels the warmth of a true family business. Passion, tradition and craftsmanship blend seamlessly together. For our September lookbook, themed Carnation, we spoke with Koen, Marian and their son Louis. Together they share how their story began, how they work together as a family, and how they are shaping the future of Belgian carnation cultivation.

How did your nursery get started?

Koen: “The carnation story began in 1946 in Opwijk, where my grandfather started growing them in a traditional, artisanal way. In 1955, Marian’s grandparents also began cultivating carnations in Erpe. Both nurseries were later taken over by our fathers, Jos and Robert. Marian and I got married in 2003, and in 2004 we founded a new nursery together, right next to her parents’ nursery. That’s how we’ve continued the tradition, but with a modern twist.”

Which moments stand out for you?

Marian: “Starting our own business in 2004 remains a special milestone. But every expansion in 2010, 2016, and now again in 2025 has given us a boost each time. And believe me, obtaining permits can be a victory in itself, too.”

What makes your assortment so special?

Koen: “We offer a complete package: you’ll find almost every color available on the market with us. Personally, I have a real soft spot for the Farida carnation. It’s a variety my parents used to grow, and it’s still a staple in our assortment.”

Are there varieties you introduced yourselves?

Louis: “We select new varieties directly from breeders in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. That’s why we’re often the first to bring certain varieties to market, such as Purple Storm, Noosa, and Happy Chery.”

Want to discover more colors and variations?

What does a typical workday look like?
Koen: “Our day starts at 7 a.m. with harvesting the carnations. Then we sort them and prepare them for auction. In the afternoon, crop maintenance takes center stage. And before we go to sleep, there’s always one last round through the greenhouse, it's simply in our blood.”

How does working together within the family go?
Marian: “In 2024 we went from a sole proprietorship to a company. Our son Louis immediately became a co-managing director at 18. And in 2026, Jef will join us as soon as he graduates from horticulture school. Everyone has their responsibility, and it runs surprisingly smoothly. We consult a lot, often simply at the kitchen table.”

Are there any typical family anecdotes?
Koen: “Perfectionism and timing are truly ‘typical De Nijs’. When new plants are delivered, the greenhouse is often already ready days in advance. Everything has to be just right.”

What does it mean to you to be one of the last carnation growers in Belgium?
Marian: “It’s a shame that only three growers remain. But at the same time, we also see it as a challenge. We firmly believe we’re ready for the future.”

You’re about to expand significantly. What can we expect?
Koen: “In 2025 we’ll build a new greenhouse of 11,000 m². That will double our growing area. From 2026, we’ll be able to utilize full production and our range will grow from 42 to 63 large-flowered varieties.”Keep an eye on our range and easily order your favourite varieties via the webshop.

How are you tackling this sustainably?
Louis: “Our expansion is entirely focused on sustainability. We work with rainwater collection and reuse of drain water, LED lighting, heat pumps and double energy screens. In addition, we’re investing heavily in integrated – partly biological – crop protection. The goal? To be GAP-certified by 2026.”

Why these choices in particular?
Koen: “Because we’re convinced this is the only way to keep growing carnations in Belgium in the future. Only this way can we compete with imported flowers from the south.”

And how will customers notice this?
Marian: “They can count on sustainable, locally grown top-quality carnations – with the assurance that we try to improve again and again every day.”