Goed Geplant - Terugblik tuin in Laakdal

Summary

A year ago, Neeltje and Sietse transformed an empty plot in Laakdal into an ecologically conscious garden, guided by a vision of sustainability and creativity. With expert advice and a focus on functionality, they designed a vegetable garden, fruit plants, and play areas for both their child and pets. Over the year, the garden bloomed with life, showcasing their vegetable harvests, edible flowers, and practical solutions for pest control. As the garden evolved, it became an integral part of their home, bringing joy, fresh produce, and a beautiful, functional space for their family to enjoy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The garden was initially a blank canvas, allowing the designers to start from scratch and create a completely new space.
• 😀 The couple, Neeltje and Sietse, wanted an ecological garden that included a vegetable garden and focused on sustainability.
• 😀 The garden was designed to accommodate both a busy lifestyle and the needs of a growing family, including play areas for children and space for the cat.
• 😀 The design featured ecological elements such as a vegetable garden, fruit plants, and a mix of paths and areas for gathering, like berry bushes.
• 😀 A key design element was the trapezoidal paving stones chosen for the path, symbolizing the shape of the house and its sunny orientation.
• 😀 The garden’s progress was evident when the new terrace and vegetable beds were completed, making the ecological dream a reality.
• 😀 One year later, the garden had flourished with vibrant plants, and the family’s child was actively enjoying the space.
• 😀 Some plants, like tomatoes and basil, were thriving, while others like eggplants struggled, requiring better soil conditions for optimal growth.
• 😀 The vegetable beds were producing an abundant harvest, and the couple had already started using the home-grown produce in their restaurant.
• 😀 Tips for dealing with garden pests like slugs included using beer traps and copper wire as a natural deterrent for slugs.
• 😀 The family appreciated the garden's ability to evolve over time, providing a space for exploration and enjoyment, and they valued the guidance they received from the landscapers.

Q & A

What was the initial condition of the garden when Neeltje and Sietse first started working on it?

The garden was completely bare, described as a blank canvas with nothing in it, allowing the designers to start from scratch.

What ecological aspect did Neeltje and Sietse want to incorporate into their garden?

They wanted their garden to be ecologically responsible, with a focus on growing a vegetable garden and ensuring sustainability.

What were some of the specific desires Neeltje and Sietse had for the garden's design?

They wanted a garden that was alive and functional, with paths to walk on, spaces for picking flowers and fruit, and a grassy area for both their cats and their baby.

How did the garden's design and construction process begin?

The design process started with the installation of a trapezium-shaped path leading to the front door, carefully chosen for its design to reflect the shape of the house.

What were some of the key features of the completed garden?

The completed garden included vegetable garden beds, a living space that extended from the house, and areas for flowers and fruit, with a focus on ecological practices.

How did the family feel about their new garden after its completion?

Neeltje and Sietse were very happy with the transformation, noting the difference it made to their living space and how their child could now enjoy the garden.

What challenges did Neeltje and Sietse face in their vegetable garden one year later?

They noticed that not all plants were thriving, with aubergines blooming but not bearing fruit. They learned that certain plants, like aubergines and pumpkins, require more space and a full ground setup to grow better.

What tips did the designer provide for dealing with slugs in the garden?

The designer suggested using beer traps to catch slugs, as well as using copper wire around garden beds to create a barrier that slugs won't cross due to their aversion to the metal.

What are some of the edible plants and flowers that Neeltje and Sietse have incorporated into their garden?

They have included edible flowers like marigolds and dill, which are used in their business to garnish drinks and salads.

How does Neeltje and Sietse plan to maintain their garden over time?

They plan to replant and re-seed parts of the garden every few years, as the strongest plants will eventually dominate and others may need to be replaced to maintain the vibrant look of the garden.