TAKE A STROLL AROUND LA FLÂNERIE
by Vivian Holding
At the foot of the Salève by the border in Troinex, lies a very special place. If you are a lover of all things healthy, organic, environmentally friendly and like to shop locally, La Flânerie (which means to stroll) will become your new ‘go-to’ place to buy your indoor plants, bedding plants, vegetable seedlings, fresh herbs, pick-your-own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers.
The quality of products available at La Flânerie is obvious from the moment you step inside their newly built farm shop and stroll from one glasshouse or tunnel to another. In addition to selling directly to the public, they also supply Migros, Botanic, Gamm Vert and Agri Sud Est – a real testament to the quality on offer.
I get to meet Nicolas Verdonnet (one of six cousins – all of whom are fourth generation members of the Verdonnet-Bouchet family – who make up the collaborators of La Flânerie). He tells me more about La Flânerie’s approach to their business:
“We strive to minimise the use of non-renewable energies and our commitment is realised at every stage of production: we supply 95% of our greenhouses with wood-fired heating, have set up a water recycling system and installed heat shields. By offering local products that have neither damaged the environment nor been subject to major transportation, we are determined – hand in hand with our customers – to preserve the environment.
We love nature more than anything and preserving the environment is central to both our commitments and our activities. Our plants carry either the label BIO or are grown in an environment of Integrated Biological Protection (PBI) that recreates natural ecosystems. This means our berries, vegetables and aromatic plants are never treated with pesticides or fungicides.”
On the day of my visit (early-April), the bedding plant season is in full swing and the selection on offer certainly is impressive. Rhubarb is in season and ready to be picked, two types of Kale is on offer, as well as some beautiful Pivoines (Peonies) that are so very nearly ready to be cut – frustratingly so, as sadly I realise I must exercise patience until the following week when I am finally richly rewarded with the most beautiful bunch. Frustrating nature, isn’t it? But how wonderful to shop locally and seasonally.
ADDRESS: 30 chemin de la Cantonnière, 1256 Troinex.
WEBSITE: www.laflanerie.ch
FACEBOOK PAGE: Click here.
OPENING HOURS: Open from Spring through to Autumn, Monday-Friday 8.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm. Ample parking is available and is free of charge.