Sarah Descamps, mother of two sons, Léon and Félien, has recently taken over the management of D&V Plant Production, a family-owned nursery specialising in shrubs, herbs, and small fruit plants for garden centres. With a degree in Economics and an early professional experience in another company, Sarah chose to return to her roots by joining her parents’ business. She values the seasonal variety inherent in horticulture and enjoys the combination of administrative responsibilities with the more practical, hands-on elements of her work. This balance of roles provides her with both professional fulfilment and a deeper connection to the rhythm of the natural environment.
Under Sarah’s leadership, the nursery has embraced forward-looking strategies to address one of the most pressing challenges of modern horticulture: water management. Recognising the risks posed by climate change and the increasing scarcity of water, she and her family have undertaken significant investments in technological and infrastructural solutions. Central to this approach is the introduction of a horticultural computer system capable of monitoring and analysing water use in detail. This digital tool enables the nursery to operate with precision, ensuring that every litre of water is used efficiently and sustainably.
A cornerstone of their innovation is the installation of two foliage wells, each with a storage capacity of ten million litres. These exceed legislative requirements and ensure that the nursery is well-prepared for prolonged dry periods. With a total storage capacity of 24 million litres, the business is no longer dependent on external deliveries or vulnerable to drought conditions. Instead, rainwater is carefully collected and reused, creating a closed-loop system. Each summer night, approximately 250,000 litres are used for irrigation, with half of this amount recovered and reintegrated into the cycle. The long-term security provided by this infrastructure not only stabilises production but also demonstrates a practical response to environmental concerns.
The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond water management. Solar panels and battery storage systems power the water pumps, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. Biodiversity is actively promoted within the nursery grounds through the installation of insect hotels and birdhouses, while beneficial insects are used for natural pest control. Together, these practices reflect a philosophy that integrates productivity with ecological responsibility.
The outcomes of Sarah’s innovation are significant on multiple levels. Environmentally, the nursery now operates with reduced pressure on surface and groundwater resources, contributing to the conservation of natural ecosystems. Economically, the stability of water supply secures long-term viability for the business, protecting it from climatic risks and enabling consistent production. Socially, the farm has become a source of inspiration and learning, hosting visits from fellow growers and partners who come to see the integrated water system and digital monitoring tools in action. By sharing knowledge and best practices, Sarah extends the benefits of her approach beyond her own enterprise, helping to guide the wider horticultural community towards more sustainable methods.
Through her vision, Sarah Descamps has transformed her family nursery into a model of resilience and ecological innovation. By uniting tradition with modern technology, she demonstrates how family-run horticultural businesses can thrive in the face of environmental challenges, setting an example that others can follow across the sector.
