Zaanstad celebrates 100 free garden advice sessions to boost local biodiversity
Residents in Zaanstad are embracing greener gardens with free expert advice from local volunteers. The initiative helps combat declining wildlife, offering simple tips to create nature-friendly spaces, even in small urban areas.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Milestone Reached | 100 garden advice sessions completed since June 2025 |
| Program Name | Tuinrangers (Garden Rangers) |
| Location | Zaanstad, Noord-Holland |
| Volunteer Example | Jannie Schoen, Tuinranger |
| Resident Example | Carola Reurekas, Assendelft |
| Advice Focus | Native plants, water features, soil types, and wildlife-friendly tips |
| Municipal Support | Free advice via tuinrangers.nl |
| Impact | Increased biodiversity, cooler summers, and improved living environments |
The municipality of Zaanstad supports the Tuinrangers program to promote sustainable urban living and biodiversity. By providing free garden advice, the local government encourages residents to adopt nature-friendly practices, aligning with broader environmental goals.
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Zaanstad Garden Rangers Reach Milestone of 100 Garden Advice Sessions
Earlier this week, Carola Reurekas from Assendelft received a visit from Zaanse Tuinranger Jannie Schoen. She is one of the volunteers helping residents make their gardens greener and more wildlife-friendly. The Tuinrangers have been active since June 2025, and progress has been rapid: with the visit to Carola, the 100th garden advice session has now been held in Zaanstad.
When Carola moved to Assendelft a few years ago, her garden was teeming with life. “I saw hedgehogs, butterflies, and even salamanders,” she recalls. In recent years, however, she has noticed a decline. “More and more people are opting for paved gardens, and you can see that in the neighborhood. It’s quite concerning. I’d like to know how I can bring more life back to my garden.”
Natural Gardening Isn’t Difficult
According to Jannie, many people think natural gardening requires a lot of effort. “But that’s really not the case. You don’t need green fingers. With just a few simple tips, you can quickly make your garden greener and more animal-friendly. Think of a bird bath, some native plants, or a patch of bare soil.”
She enjoys—and finds it rewarding—to show people how easy it actually is. “And people don’t need a large garden,” she says. “Even in a small garden or on a balcony, you can make a difference with just a few pots and a water dish.”
Tailored Advice
Last December, Carola had her sunken garden renovated. Now, there’s fresh grass, a paved path, and borders along the edges. The flowering tree and a few shrubs remained, but there’s still plenty of space for new plants. “I know native plants are best,” she says. “They’re great for insects and birds. But I find it difficult to choose which species go where.”
Together, they walk through the garden. Jannie conducts a quick soil test to see what type of soil is present and then discusses with Carola what’s possible: where shade plants would thrive, which flowers attract insects, and where a water dish might fit. At the end, Carola receives a folder with information and examples. Jannie: “We always tailor our advice to what people themselves want. Enjoying the garden is the most important thing.”
Residents Increasingly Choose Green Spaces
The milestone of 100 garden advice sessions clearly shows that more and more residents are opting for green and nature-friendly gardens. Something we, as a municipality, are proud of. Every garden that becomes greener contributes to greater biodiversity, extra cooling in the summer, and a pleasant living environment for everyone.
Interested in More Life in Your Garden?
Would you like free garden advice or want to start greening your garden or neighborhood yourself? Then visit tuinrangers.nl/tuinadvies or zaanstad.nl/zelf-vergroenen for tips and inspiration.