Last Friday, I had the pleasure of co-hosting a delightful workshop for Groen Leusden on “Design Your Own Border” with the wonderful Nathalie Franken, also known as De Gelukkige Tuinvrouw.
The workshop aimed to empower garden owners with the skills to design their own planting beds, taking into account important factors such as soil type, environmental conditions, and the desired function of their borders. We provided a treasure trove of tips and tricks for selecting the perfect plants based on form, texture, color, and blooming time—all while ensuring they would thrive in their specific garden conditions.
A Creative Afternoon in the Sun
It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon, and we were able to explore the stunning Groene Belevenis gardens for inspiration. With coffee, tea, and delicious homemade brownies topped with edible flowers fueling our creativity, the atmosphere was both interactive and friendly. We made it a point to engage participants, offering tailored advice to help them with their unique gardens.
The workshop kicked off with a detailed presentation, followed by a series of practical drawing exercises where participants could sketch out their own borders using their newly acquired knowledge. We provided a comprehensive planting list that featured a range of species, including several native Dutch plants. Our planting mood board was created using the Shoot gardening program, with additional information available for easy reference – both of which can be freely downloaded
A Community of Garden Enthusiasts
The day was filled with gardening chatter and colorful ideas, creating a vibrant social atmosphere. While we aimed to provide as much expertise as possible, we know there’s always room for improvement. We’re already brainstorming ideas for future workshops to make them even better!
A Big Thank You!
A huge thank you to Groen Leusden for giving us the opportunity to share our knowledge with so many eager participants. We truly appreciated the use of their fantastic facilities, which helped make our workshop a success.
It was a fantastic afternoon filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared love for gardening. We can’t wait for the next one!
For more workshop and activities by Groen Leusden head over to their website and check out an array of ecological gardening tips from De Gelukkige Tuinvrouw.