{"id":1912,"date":"2026-05-11T15:23:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T10:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apeldoorn.nl\/water-en-natuur\/groenbeheer\/bloeiende-bermen-en-velden\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T13:01:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T11:01:40","slug":"wilde-flora","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.apeldoorn.nl\/en\/water-en-natuur\/groenbeheer\/wilde-flora\/","title":{"rendered":"Wild flora"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From seed to flowering verge: a wonderful process<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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. \u201cEach species has to be harvested at just the right time, which requires a great deal of knowledge. It\u2019s wonderful to finally see the result of your work!\u201d 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. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

A good balance between practicality, aesthetics and safety<\/h3>\n

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. \u201cOf 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\u2019t mow the majority of the area until the autumn.\u201d<\/p>\n

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. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n

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\r\n\t\t\t\t\tThe poppy provides high-quality pollen for honeybees.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\tA mix of wildflowers on the wild verges around Apeldoorn.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n
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Benefits for people and nature<\/h3>\n

Apeldoorn\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

This work is also recognised outside Apeldoorn. In 2021, we received the \u2018Best Verge\u2019 Award from the province of Gelderland, and in 2024 we were nominated for the \u2018Top Verge Manager\u2019 award by the Butterfly Foundation. These accolades are wonderful compliments: we\u2019re on the right track!<\/p>\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n\t

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