As gardeners, we are always on the lookout for new inspiration and ideas to improve our craft. One place that gardeners in the UK can learn a great deal from is the Netherlands. The Dutch are renowned for their stunning gardens and innovative approaches to gardening, and there is much that we can learn from their techniques and practices.
Genesis Gardens owners Radek and Marta recently visited the Netherlands and returned to North Wales more inspired than ever about creating beautiful, functional and sustainable gardens that are centred around the needs of the local environment.
So, read on, we’re excited to share what we think are some of the key things that UK gardeners can learn from the Dutch:
Maximising small spaces
The Dutch are experts at making the most of small garden spaces. They use clever design techniques and plant arrangements to create beautiful and functional gardens that make the most of every inch of available space. For example, they use vertical gardening techniques to create living walls and trellises that allow plants to grow upwards, saving valuable ground space.
In the UK, embracing these techniques will really benefit people with limited outside space, for instance, those living in cities with a balcony, or in a terraced house with a small yard rather than a garden. There’s no need to forgo a garden just because of a small amount of space. 
Growing in challenging conditions
The Netherlands is a country with a challenging climate, and as a result, Dutch gardeners have developed techniques for growing in difficult conditions. They have developed innovative methods for protecting plants from frost and cold weather, such as using protective cloths or covering plants with straw or leaves. These techniques can be adapted to the UK climate, where harsh winters can be a challenge for gardeners. It’s really worth doing your research and finding out what works.
Embracing sustainability
Sustainability is a key focus for Dutch gardeners, who are committed to creating gardens that are environmentally friendly and self-sustaining. It’s usual in the Netherlands to use a range of techniques to reduce water usage, such as collecting rainwater and using drought-tolerant plants. They also use composting to enrich the soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
We are passionate about sustainability at Genesis Gardens and we believe these sustainable practices are something that UK gardeners can learn from and adopt in their own gardens.
Creating year-round interest
Dutch gardens are known for their year-round interest, with a focus on creating gardens that are beautiful and interesting in every season. Think about Holland and you will quite possibly think about fields of brightly coloured tulips which make your heart sing. But gardens in the Netherlands are actually renowned for year-round colour and beauty. This is achieved through careful plant selection and design, using a mix of evergreen and deciduous plants to create interest and texture throughout the year.
This is something we advise our clients to do too and use in our own garden design and planting schemes. By adopting this approach, UK gardeners can create gardens that are interesting and visually appealing all year round.
Experimenting with new plant varieties
The Dutch are always experimenting with new plant varieties, seeking out interesting and unusual plants to incorporate into their gardens. They are not afraid to try new things and are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what is possible in the garden. UK gardeners can learn from this adventurous spirit, and experiment with new plant varieties to create gardens that are unique and exciting.
Incorporating water features
Water features are a common feature in Dutch gardens, with ponds and fountains used to add a sense of tranquillity and calm to outdoor spaces. These water features also attract wildlife, such as birds and frogs, which can add an extra level of interest to the garden. UK gardeners can learn from this approach and incorporate water features into their own gardens to create a sense of peace and serenity.
At Genesis Gardens we love water features, and we particularly recommend considering natural clay ponds which are absolutely brilliant for wildlife and do not use harmful plastics. These ponds can start as small as the space you have, do give us a call to talk about possibilities.
Go Dutch!
In conclusion, there is much that UK gardeners can learn from the Dutch. From maximising small spaces to embracing sustainability and experimenting with new plant varieties, the Dutch are at the forefront of innovative gardening techniques. By adopting these techniques and practices, we think that UK gardeners can create beautiful and functional gardens that are a joy to behold all year round.