THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

32 rue Fagot wasn't always a botanical garden. Until 1917, the address was the property of wool spinner Emile Leplat (owner of the Dassonville fabric factory, now converted into lofts). An avid botanist, Emile Leplat and his wife had laid out a remarkable garden, a small green setting in the heart of the city. On his death, they donated their house and garden to the town, on condition that it be turned into a public garden. Their wishes were respected. Today, visitors can still discover the work carried out by the couple. The garden is in two parts. A formal garden organized around a central fountain and rosebush paths. And an English-style garden (currently being renovated) featuring numerous species of trees (chestnut, lime, beech...). In 1950, greenhouses were added for the production of flowers and plants to beautify the town. Hard hit by a storm in 1993, the greenhouses had to be rebuilt and the space redesigned. In 2009, the town inaugurated the new greenhouses. The Deplat house has been transformed into a small horticultural museum, with the greenhouses divided according to the plant varieties on display. Four warm greenhouses house tropical species, ferns, succulents and propagation. And four temperate greenhouses house carnivorous plants, fuchsias, cacti and pelargoniums. Are some of these names completely unfamiliar to you? Don't worry, it's normal! That's why the Botanical Garden organizes guided tours by appointment. We'll tell you all about the world of botany and horticulture! So, whether you prefer to stroll through the old Leplat garden behind the greenhouses, or to discover some amazing plants, the Jardin Botanique de Tourcoing is the place to be.