Our mission and vision
At Silene, we are committed to bringing nature closer to home. We offer a unique selection of special annual and biennial flowers and plants, carefully chosen to enhance biodiversity in every garden. Our mission is to inspire and support people in creating sustainable and ecological gardens where both animals and humans can thrive. With every flower that blooms, we collectively contribute to a healthier planet and a more colourful future.
We dream of a world where every garden is a refuge for nature – a place where bees buzz, birds sing, and people enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers. Our vision is to make gardening accessible and meaningful by promoting ecological choices. By embracing biodiversity, we are not only building a healthier environment but also fostering a connection between humans and nature. Together, we create gardens that give life and provide inspiration, now and for future generations.
De wereld veranderen is mogelijk.
We hebben het al eerder gedaan.
Just Introducing...
The Green Power Behind Every Seed
Sofie Van den berge
breeder and managing director
Since I was a little girl, I spent hours with my grandfather in the garden. Together we admired nature, full of wonder at how beautiful and clever everything is interconnected. My fascination with flowers, vegetables, fruit, and herbs began there, nourished by the simplicity and beauty of nature.
Now that I am a mother of two little girls myself, I see that same wonder in them. They enjoy everything around them to the fullest – from a butterfly fluttering by to flowers that are in bloom. Their enthusiasm has made me realise how valuable it is to pause and appreciate the essence: nature connects, calms, and inspires.
This is what prompted me to take over Silene.
I want to bring the beauty and power of nature to everyone. Sowing a flower garden and watching it grow is magical. It connects you with the earth, helps you slow down, and allows you to experience that nature has its own rhythm, unhurried and pure. It is my mission to inspire you and help you create your own piece of nature. Together, we not only create a beautiful garden but also a world full of biodiversity where people and nature strengthen each other.
Lieve Adriaensens
our founder
More than 30 years ago, Silene was founded by Lieve. What began as a passion for flowers and a quest for more variety in dried flowers quickly grew into a thriving nursery. Because the supply in the trade did not meet her needs, she decided to start sowing and growing herself. Before long, she had so many seedlings that she sought out the first plant fairs to share her passion with others.
Her love for annuals was boundless. She saw what others did not see: the versatility, the beauty, and the endless possibilities of these plants. While some people only saw the value of perennials, she was able to prove that annuals could also make a garden shine – not only in summer, but well into autumn.
Thanks to her enthusiasm, knowledge, and drive, our company has grown into what it is today: a place where beauty, passion, and craftsmanship come together.
Although she is sadly no longer with us, her legacy lives on. Before her passing, she entrusted the business to someone who continues with the same dedication and passion on the path she once took. Thus, her dream remains very much alive, season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers here to questions about growing plants, seed storage, and our shipping options.
As a beginner, it is nice to start with flowers that are easy to sow and care for. Some recommendations are Agrostemma (Corncockle), Borago (Borage), Calendulas (Pot Marigold), Centaurea (Cornflowers), Cosmos (Cosmos), Eschscholzia (California Poppy), Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth), Lupinus (Lupin), Tagetes (Marigolds), Tropaeolum (Nasturtium), and of course Helianthus (Sunflowers).
These types require minimal care. They provide a beautiful result and offer a good start for your gardening adventure!
The germination capacity varies for each species. Some flower seeds last "forever" while others only last 2 years. The "wilder" the flower, the longer the seeds last; the more cultivated the flower, the quicker the germination capacity declines. We test our seeds annually for germination capacity. If they fall below our standard threshold of 70%, we remove them from the assortment.
We can guarantee that the seeds will remain viable for at least 2 years after purchase. The packaging indicates when the seeds were packed.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place with as constant a temperature as possible. Temperature fluctuations are particularly detrimental to germination. Therefore, do not leave your seeds in the garden shed or greenhouse. The best place is in a dry cellar or dark shed, or even in a bag in the fridge.
The number of seeds in a packet varies by type. Because flower seeds lose their germination power over time, we choose to offer seeds in smaller quantities. Each packet is designed to be sufficient for at least 2 m² of flowers, unless otherwise stated, for example in the case of flower mixes. This helps you to always work with fresh, viable seeds, which is important for a successful garden.
Don't forget that each seed is the start of one plant with many flowers, so you can get quite far with just a few seeds. So don't underestimate what is in a little bag.
If you still need larger quantities, please feel free to contact us via the contact form so that we can find a solution that meets your needs together.
We bieden in het voorjaar en in het najaar een klein assortiment plantgoed aan. Dit plantgoed is uitsluitend verkrijgbaar tijdens de plantenbeurzen. Let op: we verzenden geen plantgoed. Houd onze website in de gaten voor updates en de beursdata!
Orders are dispatched by us twice a week, on Monday and Thursday. We send the orders with Bpost, and the delivery times they indicate for parcels within Belgium are 3 working days. Parcels to abroad take 2 to 10 working days to reach you. If you choose to send with a guarantee, you will receive a track & trace code from us so you can follow the shipment.
A confirmation email after your order does not mean that your package will be dispatched immediately. Depending on the season and the volume of orders, it may take a few days for the order to be processed. You will receive an email from us once the package is ready for dispatch.