Long live the adopted olive tree

About fifteen years ago, the residents of Van Reigersbergerstraat were faced with boring, low-maintenance municipal greenery. That could be different! The beautiful flower beds in Erasmuspark served as their inspiration. Plans were made together and designs were created. The municipality removed the old greenery and provided the desired bulbs and plants. Tjarda (see above) and Wil (see below) now both work with great pleasure in the blooming wildflower beds in their street.

The garden gives and takes

Wil: “We are receiving a lot of positive feedback from the local residents. Especially during the months when the flowers are in full bloom. Some people change their walking route so they can pass by our flower beds. There is someone who often comes back to photograph the insects and bees on the blue thistles. Once, there were some plant pots in the flower bed with a note: ‘I have enjoyed your garden beds so much. As a thank you for your work, here are some plants.’ There was also a time when a man brought an olive tree from the bulky waste. We adopted it and now it’s thriving in the garden. And once there was a beautiful statue among the flowers. And then it suddenly disappeared. We’re not too worried about that. The garden gives and takes.”

Get started when you feel like it

There are now three neighborhood groups, each responsible for a part of the plant beds. The VvE has funded an electric irrigation pump, hoses, and a sprinkler so that water can be taken from the Kostverlorenvaart. “That is really necessary. It would be over quickly with just a watering can.” Tjarda is active almost every day for about an hour. “Weeding the weeds (Ground elder! The parasite!) takes the most time, especially in April/May. Sometimes sowing some seeds or planting some plants. Everyone does something when it suits them. If you feel like it, roll up your sleeves.”

It makes satisfied

“The garden has also brought me a lot. During the lockdown, we all had to stay inside and I was in the green every day, having nice chats with neighbors,” says Tjarda. “It brings joy and allows you to be creative with colors. It is calming and very satisfying.”Interview: Thecla Groot KoerkampPhotos: Jackie Mulder

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Do you think it would be fun to start doing volunteer work too?

1. Make an appointmentfor a mediation interview at one of the consultation hours in the city.
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