This website details the story of the Erebloem self-picking garden and community association in Nieuwegein, Netherlands. The initiative began at a neighborhood day in 2020, with the idea of creating a pick-your-own garden on a small patch of unused green space. After positive community feedback and discussions with the local municipality, the project was nominated in December 2020 and entered the planning phase, using Sketchup 3D to design the garden.
In early 2021, the plans and budget were finalized, and funding was sought. In April, the garden received seeds, and the community started pre-sowing plants for a planting day. Fruit trees were planted by the municipality, and in May, construction began on the garden, which included weed removal. Later in May 2021, the Erebloem neighborhood association was founded with the goal of bringing residents together in a friendly, green environment.
The garden was further developed with the help of residents and officially opened during Neighborhood Day 2021. The website mentions difficulties in sourcing berry bushes due to COVID-19 and Brexit, but these were eventually planted.
The association won several awards: Kern met Pit 2021, Appeltje van Oranje 2023, and Nationale Vrijwilligersprijzen 2024. It also states that in the garden you can self pick fruit, vegetables and berries.
The website also lists upcoming and past events, including weekly gardening evenings, Neighborhood Day celebrations, open edible garden days, member meetings, birthday celebrations and NLDoet days.
Contact information includes an email address and Facebook/Instagram details. The garden’s location is provided as being on the green space between Dotterbloem 19 and 21 in Nieuwegein.
The website includes details about the board members. The current board consists of Edwin (Chairman), Eveline (Treasurer), Richard (Secretary), and Ria (General Board Member).