Planted right next to Artis Zoo lies a green haven. It’s the Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen. This small community garden offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
The Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen wasn’t always a garden. In the mid-1980s, the vacant lot was a haven for urban nomads. Wild campers occupied the land across from Entrepotdok. Boats dotted the waterfront.
After legal battles Artis, the zoo, acquired most of the area in the late 1990s. Boat dwellers moved. The city agreed that Roy van Zijnen, a former resident, could develop the plot near Nijlpaardenbrug. That is how it became an educational community garden.
For over twenty years, the Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen has thrived. Artis used its land for a landing stage. They built a playground. An artificial rock formation with a waterfall appeared. New homes were created for algazelles zebras and elephants.
The Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen differs greatly. No contractors were involved here. The aim was to create a place where locals improved nature together. It aligns with Gandhi’s philosophy. The garden acts as a green hedge between Plantagebuurt and Artis’ parking lot.
Roy van Zijnen and locals are active in the garden. Paths are covered with wood chips. They were provided by the city. A local resident Castor has his own vegetable garden. He grows lettuce carrots rucola and sunflowers.
Joop Hox another resident manages the bamboo. He controls its spread to protect other plants. Hox also cares for the worm hotel. Worms turn waste into compost. A new worm hotel is coming soon. The worms were eating their home.
The Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen is also a sculpture garden. It features works by Papa Adama. Theo Niermeijer created a steel plate engraving of Buddha. Roy designed a blue sphere as a resting place.
The Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen has won the hearts of locals. An experienced plant expert has joined the team. They maintain the garden. It aligns with the garden’s principles. It is a learning garden where people meet and help each other. The Mahatma Gandhi Plantsoen is a testament to community spirit.