The Garden with a Vibe
Situated near the picturesque Vondelpark in Amsterdam, The Garden with a Vibe is nestled in a neighbourhood known for its lush, leafy surroundings and historic homes. This charming setting provided the perfect backdrop for our garden design.
The garden benefits from its proximity to the park’s large, mature trees, which create a woodland edge and dappled shade environment. To complement these towering trees, we introduced twelve multi-stem trees in the rear garden and five in the front, enhancing the woodland atmosphere and making the garden feel like a natural extension of the park. The addition of these trees also helps harmonise the scale of the park’s trees with that of the garden, creating a seamless connection.
A notable tree added to the garden is the Vitex agnus-castus, known for its upright, fragrant flowers that bloom in autumn. This tree is not only visually striking but also an excellent choice for attracting pollinators.
We also designed extensive planting borders along the property edge and added climbers to the boundary walls. This approach disguises the property’s boundaries and creates an illusion of an expansive space. As a result, the end of the property becomes less distinct, making the garden feel larger and more inviting.
To maximise greenery and create a more permeable landscape, we strategically broke up the concrete pavers in the middle section of the garden. By bringing the planting closer to the house and positioning the lounge and dining areas further away, we enhanced the immersive natural experience. This arrangement provides stunning views of the garden from inside the house, which is especially valuable during the colder months when outdoor activities are limited but you still wish to enjoy the garden. Instead of looking out at furniture, residents can enjoy the vibrant planting year-round. Additionally, placing the outdoor living areas further from the house ensures that you are completely surrounded by nature when using the garden.
The planting scheme is anchored by a matrix base layer of Sesleria ‘Greenlee Hybrid,’ Sesleria heufleriana, Luzula nivea, and Melica uniflora f. albida. Three of these grasses are evergreen, ensuring year-round interest and coverage. Perennials and bulbs emerge through this matrix, introducing seasonal variety, texture, and colour. The plants were chosen for their ability to thrive in woodland edge conditions, given the influence of the surrounding trees and those added to the landscape. This thoughtful selection fosters a harmonious and dynamic garden that maintains visual appeal and ecological health throughout the year.
To ensure the garden remains captivating even in winter, we included winter-scented shrubs such as Daphne odora, Sarcococca confusa, Edgeworthia chrysantha, and Chimonanthus praecox. These plants add fragrance and visual interest during the colder months, enhancing the garden’s appeal throughout the year.
The Garden with a Vibe seamlessly blends design with natural beauty, offering a serene and engaging outdoor space that invites exploration and relaxation. It is a place where one can enjoy the tranquility of nature, whether indoors or out, all year round.
Photography: Alister Thorpe
Landscape construction: Koninklijke Ginkel Groep
