This is a vibrant community garden, known as Volkstuinvereniging Levenslust, located in Vlissingen, Netherlands, near Intratuin Koudekerke. The complex spans approximately 7 hectares and comprises over 200 individual plots, ranging from 125 to 250 square meters, where members cultivate their own produce.
While primarily a community of individual gardeners, a special “snack garden” (snoeptuin) is maintained for residents of WVO Zorg (a foundation for the elderly), offering them a direct self-picking experience. From this dedicated plot, visitors can pick fresh vegetables such as onions, beets, lettuce, leeks, courgettes, and cucumbers, along with fruits like apples, pears, strawberries, plums, and various berries. Ornamental flowers are also available for picking from this garden.
Across the wider complex, members grow a diverse array of produce, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Vegetables: radishes, garden beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, courgettes, various root vegetables, cabbage varieties (white, savoy, kale, Brussels sprouts), lettuce, spinach, endive, celeriac, garlic, winter onions, potatoes, asparagus, chicory, cardoon, and pumpkins.
- Fruits: apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, whitecurrants, gooseberries, grapes, figs, kiwi, and plums.
- Other: various herbs and a wide array of flowers.
The association provides resources for its members, including an on-site garden shop selling tools, seeds, fertilizers, and pest control products. A community house hosts information evenings, pruning courses, and workshops on topics like ecological gardening, composting, and even forgotten vegetables. The complex also emphasizes sustainable practices and regularly conducts soil quality research to ensure the safety of the homegrown food. Open days are frequently organized, allowing visitors to appreciate the variety and beauty of the gardens.
What visitors say
This extensive allotment garden complex is highly regarded by its many members for offering a peaceful and beautiful natural escape right within the city. Reviewers consistently praise the large, well-maintained plots and the diverse range of gardens, from flourishing orchards and vibrant flower beds to productive vegetable patches, all benefiting from remarkably fertile soil that yields good harvests even during dry spells.
The complex fosters a strong sense of community, described as an active association where members are friendly and supportive of one another, making it a pleasant place for social interaction. Many find it a wonderful spot to relax, engage with nature, and de-stress through gardening, often likening it to a luxurious “holiday destination” after a day’s work. Regular open days, featuring various stalls and activities for children, further contribute to its appeal and positive atmosphere. While one member noted past inconsistencies with the upkeep of neighboring plots, they expressed optimism about recent improvements, underscoring the overall commitment to maintaining a neat and enjoyable environment.