Whispering willows and fragrant wildflowers greet you at Thijsse’s Hof. This isn’t just any garden. Thijsse’s Hof is the oldest wildlife garden in the Netherlands. It’s a living testament to nature’s artistry.
Imagine a time before bustling Amsterdam. Picture a simpler era. In 1925 a gift blossomed. Friends and the Bloemendaal municipality presented Jac P Thijsse with this land. It was his 60th birthday present. Thijsse a biology teacher and early conservationist had long dreamt of such a place. He envisioned a sanctuary showcasing the flora and fauna of the Zuid-Kennemerland dunes.
Leonard Anthony Springer a landscape architect shaped this vision. Cees Sipkes a nurseryman meticulously planted some 800 native species. The result is a tapestry of vegetation. There are dry dune grasslands and damp valleys. You’ll see dune heaths and even a small forest. The design cleverly positions plants for optimal light. Spring’s delicate blooms bathe in sunlight. Later shrubs and trees take center stage.
Explore the winding paths. Notice the subtle changes in the landscape. Each area represents a different ecosystem. The dune rose slope bursts with vibrant colors. The dry grassland sways with delicate grasses and wildflowers. The damp valley is a refuge for moisture-loving plants. Even a section dedicated to wildflowers not naturally found here shows the garden’s unique purpose.
Thijsse’s Hof is more than just plants. It houses two statues. One depicts ‘Erik on the Butterfly’ inspired by Godfried Bomans’ book. The other a life-sized tribute to Jac P Thijsse himself. A memorial stone honors Catharina Cool. She dedicated herself to the garden’s early years. Her words etched on the stone speak of nature’s restorative power.
Thijsse himself documented the garden’s first years in two books. ‘A First Year in Thijsse’s Hof’ and ‘A Second Year in Thijsse’s Hof’ chronicle the growth and change. They offer a glimpse into his passion and dedication. The garden was officially opened on September 26th 1925. It rained heavily that day. But the spirit of the place shines bright.
Leave Thijsse’s Hof with a newfound appreciation for nature’s beauty. Remember the story of its creation. It’s a story of friendship vision and unwavering dedication to preserving the natural world. This hidden gem in Bloemendaal is truly a treasure. It deserves to be experienced not just admired from afar.