Bush Brothers : in search of undiscovered orchids

Is it a trailer for an Indiana Jones movie or the story of a nurseryman? The website of nursery Bush Brothers puts your imagination to work. They call themselves treasure hunters and for this they dive deep into the South African Jungle. Their life’s work. With practised noses, they trace exclusive orchids and green plants. Who are these two brothers and what drives them?

The adventure begins

The story of Bush Brothers begins in 1968. Then still Lansbergen Orchids and founded by Theo and Toos Lansbergen. They first grew vegetables and later cut flowers. Until their sons, the twins Marco and Patrick, joined the nursery in 1994. Year after year, the nursery grew and other crops were added. But the real turning point came in 2000. Then the brothers shifted their focus to more exclusive plants, especially orchids. Today, they grow a wide assortment of up to 150 orchids on 5.4 hectares. The collection includes, for example, a scented orchid, the panther-print orchid and orchids in special colours, such as blue and black. Since 2020, green houseplants such as the Aglaonema .

Expedition

“Unravelling the secrets of nature is the Bush Brothers’ passion. Both botanists at heart. Both fascinated by discovering yet another new plant species. For decades, the Bush Brothers have searched jungles and mountain regions.”

Patrick Lansbergen chuckles when we present him with this piece of text. “It’s symbolic,” he explains. “The website also says ‘Cum Grano Salis’, to be taken with a pinch of salt. So we don’t really trek to the jungle, but we always look for exclusive species. Orchids that no or few other growers grow. If we come across beautiful species, we have them cutted in a large laboratory in Thailand. For the first 18 months of their existence, the orchids and green plants grow up there, in authentic conditions. When they are big and strong enough, they are further grown off in our greenhouse. In these greenhouses, we imitate the climate in which the plant thrives best.

Niche offerings

Their discoveries have already brought much recognition among fellow botanists around the world. Not for nothing have they been awarded the International Botanists Association’s prestigious Botanical Discovery Award several times. Their inventions have graced the covers of widely read trade magazines dozens of times. What makes their range so special?

“We offer a wide range of not so common species. Think Oncidium, Zygopetalum, Ludisia and Brassia. We grow only a limited edition of each species. Moreover we grow each species in optimal conditions. Which means we can offer strong plants. Heavy and compact. Because of our diversity, we have an outlet for every market .”

Using what nature gives us sparingly

Growing 5.4 ha of orchids and green plants requires quite a bit of energy. How do the brothers keep that under control?

“We purchased a CHP in 2019. In addition, we invested in energyefficient LED lighting: in 2022, a greenhouse of 4 000 LED lighting with 60% more light and 50% energy savings. In 2023, this was joined by 25 000 metres in energy-efficient LED lighting. With this, we light one greenhouse and more will follow in time. We are also installing a heat source. This will go up to two kilometres underground and the hot water will be pumped from there and brought to us via a pipeline. A process of years but the intention, of course, is to eventually grow completely fossil-free. Not just for energy reasons but mainly to avoid burdening the environment. We need to use natural resources, such as energy and water, sparingly. Furthermore, we do not use plastic. Our certifications

Where? De Lier (NL)

What? 4.5 orchids including Brassia, Cambria, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Epidendrum, Miltonia, Oncidium, Zygopetalum, Ludisia, Treasure, Oncidium Cherry Baby, Paphiopedilum. Supplemented by green houseplants such as Aglaonema.

Employed? 25 permanent staff, supplemented during busy periods by 12 temporary workers and 40 job students.

Sales market? All of Europe: mainly Scandinavia, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France. But also beyond the European border as far as Madagascar.

“I am indeed hoping for growth. We rent a few gardens now and it would be nice to have one big garden of about 5 to 6 acres, or two gardens. That is our dream, but we realise all too well that the sector is not having an easy time. There are many growers throwing in the towel. But we have nothing to complain about. Moreover, we have several green plants in our range. That’s how we spread the risks.”

Finally, a personal question: is it an advantage to work with your twin brother? “Quite a lot,” laughs Patrick. “We complement each other well. Marco mainly takes care of the organisation, finances and staff. In addition, he directs cultivation. I mainly deal with the sales of all varieties. It is now waiting to see whether our children will take up the torch so that Bush Brothers remains a family business.” according to MPS-A and MPS GlobalGAP prove our sustainable vision.”

Floréac as a fixture

Even if the big adventure is central, the nursery is happy to have some regulars. Like Floréac.

“I think we have been working together since 2000. Always on good terms. I can safely say that we reinforce each other. Because we have different types, we can soon offer large volumes. We have built a stable relationship and hope to continue working this way for many years to come.”

A view through the binoculars

And then the future, do the brothers hope to discover many hidden treasures?

Autumn classics

The change of season promises another load of plants. Some still quietly budding, others lush and radiant. From showy wig tree, spicy Skimmia, fierce Hebe to vital Vibernum ... all eager to conquer autumn. Give them a stage on your terrace, a place of honour in your garden, or put them in an elegant pot in front of your door. And above all: enjoy this colourful autumn harvest. We list some of the toppers. Take a walk with us?

Skimmia

Skimmia brings colour to autumn and winter with its red, sparkling berries. It is a generous plant. In autumn, it treats with berries that slowly turn from green to intense red. In late summer, it then conjures fragrant flowers from its hat. At no more than 125 cm tall, it fits perfectly in any garden. But in containers, pots and tubs it does just as well. Be sure not to water it too much as it does not like that.

Heuchera

Heuchera or the purple bellflower is a maverick. A go-getter. Because where most perennials give up above ground, this standout retains its leaves. With its bright green , deep red, caramel-coloured leaves, it colours the garden. Some varieties stand out even more. With bicoloured leaves, unusual veins or incisions of the leaf, they steal the show. Also in summer palms them into the garden with delicate flower clusters on thin, long flower stalks. Ideal for outdoors, it also feels at home in pots, containers and baskets.

Hebe

Hebe, also known as bush veronica is worth exploring. A tad wild, but mostly colourful. Its leaves range from light green to dark green and very light grey. To even purple-red in winter and spring. But it stands out above all for its clusters of flowers, in white, purple or pink. Not only we are fans. With its long stamens, it constantly attracts butterflies and bees. A plus for biodiversity!

Nandina

Nandina is a diva in autumn foliage. This stunning ornamental hostess surprises at any time. Subdued in autumn with white, plumeshaped flowers. Then with autumnal pinkishred leaves and as icing on the cake: bright red berries. This is how it goes into winter, flanked by elliptical leaves, usually double-pinnate along the stems. Heavenly, right? In China, her country of origin, she adorns temples. Hence its nickname celestial bamboo.

Cotinus

Cotinus, or wig tree, is a mood creator in autumn. Its summery panicles of small flowers turn into long, curly, packed, hair-like fruits in autumn. As if treating your garden to soft pink sweet candyfloss. Eye candy wrapped in bluish green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Although there are also red-leaved varieties, such as Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, among others.

Acer

Acer, also known as Japanese maple, is a phenomenal sight. Autumn bundled into a hardy shrub. From fresh green in spring to dark red, bronze, orange and yellow, the leaves surprise every time. Their finger-like contours form an raised hand. An open invitation to fully experience autumn. The Japanese maple feels at home both in the open ground and in pots.

Pieris

Pieris, also known as Japanese andromeda, does love a bit of dressing up. This flamboyant mood creator adorns itself in autumn and winter with red-purple flower buds. In spring, the buds bring white, pink or red flower clusters with bubble flowers. Then it goes from coppery, red, pink or yellow-green. Colourful leaves and lilac to purple buds even appear here and there. In short, a colour carnival for your garden.

Leucothoe

Leucothoe, sometimes called magic ball among ornamental shrubs. Logical because its lanceolate leaves colour from green to yellow, pink, red and purple. Some varieties even show off variegated leaves. And all through the winter. Put it in the light and it goes wild. In late spring, she treats with small white or pink bellshaped flowers in clusters.

Vibernum

Vibernum is a real winter booster. Evergreen yet different throughout the seasons. It starts autumn with beautiful deep green leaves and small decorative buds in pinkish red or white. From December to April, these flowers cluster into half-spheres. Hence its nickname: snow globe. Pay particular attention to its light, pleasant fragrance. Before it dozes off in summer, it indulges in decorative dark berries.