Goed Geplant - Terugblik tuin in Leuven

Summary

This video follows the transformation of a simple urban garden in Leuven into a beautiful and functional space. Joost and An worked with designers to create a paradise-like garden with a movable terrace, fruit garden, and ample play areas for their children. The space features unique elements like fruit-bearing shrubs grown along wires and a variety of trees such as cork oaks and an Elstar apple tree. The family now enjoys a green sanctuary, with the garden providing a peaceful and versatile environment for both relaxation and recreation, making it a perfect retreat in the heart of the city.

Takeaways

• 😀 The garden in Leuven, initially a barren space, has been transformed into a beautiful urban oasis.
• 😀 The main goal for the garden was to create a comfortable space for family gatherings, barbecues, and relaxation.
• 😀 The family emphasized the importance of creating a play area for children, with space for football and climbing trees.
• 😀 A unique feature of the garden was the movable terrace, designed to cover the pool and meet city regulations on paved areas.
• 😀 Planting trees, including a large walnut tree, and respecting childhood memories were key to the design process.
• 😀 The family wanted a mix of greenery and practical use, including fruit bushes and climbing plants along the wall.
• 😀 The garden now supports a thriving plucking garden with fruits like raspberries, which have been very successful.
• 😀 The family has enjoyed using the space for regular outdoor meals, parties, and other gatherings.
• 😀 The challenge of maintaining the garden was met, with both parents gaining 'green fingers' and successfully managing plant care.
• 😀 The garden's design includes winter-green cork oak trees that provide year-round greenery and a beautiful view from the house.
• 😀 The family continues to enjoy the garden, which they now view as a paradise that has exceeded their expectations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the garden in Leuven in the script?

The garden in Leuven is significant because it was a city garden designed to be transformed into a paradisiacal space with specific features like a large walnut tree and play areas for children. It serves as a representation of how a small, neglected space can be turned into a functional, beautiful urban oasis.

How did the family’s requirements influence the design of the garden?

The family had clear expectations, such as creating a sunny spot for gatherings, maintaining space for children's play, and incorporating plants like a walnut tree. These needs guided the design, resulting in a balanced garden that caters to both relaxation and active use.

What challenges did the team face while developing the garden?

One challenge was the renovation of the space, which involved transforming a bare piece of land into a functional garden. The city of Leuven also had restrictions on adding additional hard surfaces, which required the innovative design of a movable terrace over the pool.

What role did the movable terrace play in the garden's design?

The movable terrace was a key element in the design, allowing it to be slid over the swimming pool, creating a versatile space that could be used for different activities while maintaining the natural appearance of the garden when not in use.

What memories did the walnut tree evoke for the family?

The walnut tree held sentimental value for the family, as the father had fond memories of it from his childhood. This emotional connection influenced the decision to include a walnut tree in the garden design, reflecting a desire to honor his past while creating a new, meaningful space.

How did the garden design incorporate both aesthetic and functional elements?

The garden incorporated aesthetic elements like the unique mural and lush plantings, alongside functional features such as designated play areas for children, a fruit-picking garden, and a barbecue spot for family gatherings, balancing beauty with practicality.

How did the family engage with the garden after its completion?

After the garden's completion, the family frequently enjoyed the space by hosting gatherings, playing sports, and even using the garden for regular outdoor meals. The children also actively engaged in play, such as playing football and table tennis.

What did the family find surprising about the garden's maintenance?

The family was surprised by how well they were able to maintain the garden, with both parents, An and Joost, discovering that they had developed a 'green thumb' as they took care of the plants and garden, something they hadn't anticipated initially.

What is the significance of the fruit garden in the overall design?

The fruit garden, with its various berry bushes and fruit trees, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the space, allowing the family, particularly the children, to pick and eat fruit directly from the garden. It also enhances the overall theme of sustainability and self-sufficiency in the design.

How did the garden evolve over time since its completion?

Since its completion, the garden has evolved with plants growing and filling in the space as intended. The family has seen the fruits of their labor, with the fruit bushes bearing fruit and the overall space becoming more lush and vibrant. The garden is now a thriving, functional, and beautiful space.