Whether you’re walking along the verges, through parks, the city centre, the neighbourhoods or shopping centres, you’ll see flowers in all sorts of colours and shapes everywhere. These flowers have been carefully selected and sown, ensuring that every spot in the city has a unique mix of flora. Erik Gorter, ecological manager for the municipality of Apeldoorn, is happy to explain how these flowers are selected.
As many as 120 different species of flowers grow in Apeldoorn. These attract bees, butterflies and other insects, whilst birds enjoy the abundance of food. Nature thrives on this diversity, and it is also a feast for the eyes.
Erik Gorter has been working with the flora in Apeldoorn since 2015. Every year, he and his colleagues harvest 50 to 60 kilos of seeds from the flowers growing on the verges. “Each species has to be harvested at just the right time, which requires a great deal of knowledge. It’s wonderful to finally see the result of your work!” The seeds are dried, sieved and stored, and later used in new seed mixtures tailored to different locations and growing conditions in Apeldoorn. This makes every flower verge unique. “The most eye-catching locations are given a boost every few years with our own seed mixtures. This ensures our municipality remains colourful and flourishing, without compromising road safety or visibility.”
In some places, Mother Nature can take over some of the work. Seeds in the soil ensure that flowers spring up naturally. Although this is wonderful, we sometimes have to intervene for safety reasons. “Of course, we do mow, even in areas where we let nature take its course. We mow the verges and sightlines for road safety. We don’t mow the majority of the area until the autumn.”
We regularly receive questions about this, as it can sometimes look rather untidy. Where possible, we choose to leave the vegetation in place, even after it has finished flowering. “The flowers and plants that have finished flowering provide food and shelter for many animals and insects. This is very important and contributes to healthy soil and a suitable habitat for certain plant species.”
Apeldoorn’s green space management helps to create a good living environment for bees, butterflies, insects and other small animals. By mowing less frequently and sowing wild plants, we are giving biodiversity a helping hand. This is important because many species in the Netherlands are struggling. Insects such as bees and butterflies, in particular, have seen their numbers decline.
Trees and plants help the soil to absorb and retain water, which prevents flooding during heavy downpours. They also help to keep the air clean and provide cooling during hot spells. Furthermore, a green environment encourages us to be active and relax, which is good for our physical and mental health.
This work is also recognised outside Apeldoorn. In 2021, we received the ‘Best Verge’ Award from the province of Gelderland, and in 2024 we were nominated for the ‘Top Verge Manager’ award by the Butterfly Foundation. These accolades are wonderful compliments: we’re on the right track!
Join us as we watch Erik Gorter, the ecological manager, get ready for spring.
Would you like to do your bit to help boost biodiversity? Then create a cosy spot for insects in your garden or on your balcony. Fewer paving slabs, more greenery. Divert rainwater, and use native plant species. You can find more tips at The Veluwe begins in your garden.
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