Located north of Lyon, in Châtillon sur Chalaronne, the SOUPE nurseries have been producing exceptional trees since 1975. Certified with the “Plante Bleue” label, this nursery is committed to environmentally friendly production, particularly in water management, fertilizers, and phytosanitary products. At HORUS Paysages, we are sensitive to this approach, which, in addition to being virtuous, ensures hardy and resilient plants, perfectly aligned with the spirit of naturalistic gardening.
Cultural Practices
The Daniel Soupe Nurseries apply a series of rigorous practices to ensure the quality and resilience of their plants. The varietal selection is based on criteria such as aesthetics, resistance to harsh climates and diseases, and the ability to adapt to urban environments. Every stage of production, from seeding to commercialization, is controlled to guarantee genetic traceability and the qualitative uniformity of the plants.
Young plants are cultivated with a focus on the development of deep roots, essential for their resistance and longevity. They are manually transplanted to avoid root deformation caused by machinery. Plant propagation is done through cuttings and grafting, using mother plants and rootstocks selected for their quality and hardiness.
Fertilization is carried out using natural fertilizers like manure and organic amendments, applied in a targeted manner according to the soil’s nutritional needs. Crop rotation is a key practice, with fallow periods to regenerate the soil, prevent erosion, and limit weeds. Soil work involves three steps: deep loosening, incorporation of organic amendments, and soil refinement.
Cultivation on tarpaulin allows for the development of a denser root system and limits watering by acting as a mini-greenhouse. Transplanting, conducted according to strict standards, densifies the root system for better re-establishment, particularly for species that are difficult to transplant.
Finally, harvesting is optimized through a combination of human and material resources, while water management relies on soil quality and rainfall, with effective drainage systems and water points to compensate for dry periods without harmful groundwater pumping.
Specialization and Expertise
The Daniel Soupe Nurseries stand out for their innovative approach to plants, constantly exploring new species, varieties, and forms to improve the hardiness of their trees. This hardiness ensures optimal re-establishment, harmonious growth, and extended longevity, providing both aesthetic and economic benefits to their clients.
Their expertise in varietal research drives them to explore the world in search of new species, creating a diverse catalog of plants adapted to extreme environments. Each new species undergoes a ten-year acclimatization and behavior testing period.
Rare species are integrated not only for their commercial value but also for their ability to address specific urban challenges, particularly in terms of disease and insect resistance.
Pioneers since the 1980s in natural forms, they have mastered the production of trees that blend harmoniously into urban environments while maintaining a free and natural structure.
Coppiced trees are also a specialty of the nursery. Far from constrained and standardized forms, their coppiced trees are all unique, tailored to each species, even each individual plant, offering an infinite variety of forms.
HORUS’ Opinion
In summary, this nursery is a favorite of ours, not only for its gentle cultural practices but also for the richness of its catalog and the quality of its plants. Additionally, Daniel SOUPE is one of the few to control production from the seed stage, ensuring flawless traceability. As landscape architects, there is a particularly important point that has captivated us: the “natural form”… ideal for our naturalistic gardens. Each plant is unique.
Useful Information
- Website: Pépinières DANIEL SOUPE
- Address: Les lazares, 01400, Châtillon sur Chalaronne
- Phone: 04.74.55.00.98
