About Us

After graduating from the University of Southwest Louisiana in 1975 with a degree in Horticulture, Gerald L. Foret, Jr. started his own company, Gerald Foret Landscaping. Like most self-built companies, Gerald started with a pickup truck, shovel, and a wheelbarrow, and with much determination he fought through the oil recession of the 80′s. Always wanting to be a grower, he decided to start a small 20 acre field operation, and the landscaping company helped finance the growing operation for a number of years until the nursery could stand on its own. Years passed and Gerald phased out of the field operation and moved to container production.
Fast forward 50 years and Gerald Foret Wholesale Nursery, Inc. has long outgrown that singular wheelbarrow and shovel. The nursery now boasts nearly 60 acres and requires the combined effort of 5 full-time employees for its day-to-day operations. Add in some well-deserved awards, including the Nurseryman of the Year in 1997 and the James A. Foret Award in 2021, Gerald continues to improve the industry with his expertise.

It has not always been an easy path. Mother Nature has cast her evil spell numerous occasions throughout the years with Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, and freezing temperatures causing Gerald to take a step back, adapt and overcome, establishing his strength and resiliency in the nursery industry.

Our Staff

With over 150 years of combined experience, the main ingredient for the success of Gerald Foret Wholesale Nursery, Inc. is the knowledgeable and hardworking team members.

Owner and founder, Gerald Foret, began his business with a red tin shed, seven acres and a John Deer tractor in 1979. Armed with a sharp shovel, leather gloves, and faith in the nursery business inspired by both his uncle, Dr. James A. Foret, and his cousin Jim Foret, Gerald brought forth his vision of the best trees that he could cultivate and deliver. He has stayed active in professional organizations, trade shows, and leadership positions in his state association.

Shipping manager, Gerard Vincent, has been a dedicated team member since 1980. His commitment has been invaluable in the impeccable service of orders. Gerard tags and carefully grades the trees for shipping. By taking pride in ‘five star’ products, all shipments are quality controlled.

Albert Durio, Sr., is the nursery production manager and has been an integral part of Gerald’s team since 2007. Albert continues his family tradition of nursery business as a horticulturist and graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. One of the ways that Albert stays abreast of changes in horticulture is by remaining active in horticulture associations.

Continuing the Durio family tradition, Albert ‘AJ’ Durio, Jr., joined the nursery team in 2024. AJ is a Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional with over 15 years of experience in the nursery and landscape industry.

Kathy Langlinais is the office manager and brings to the team business management and computer experience. She is dedicated to assisting each staff member and delivering customer satisfaction with each order.

Visit our website often or give us a call to see what we have to offer in the world of ornamental trees.