On the outskirts of Meppel there is a piece of peace that has lasted for generations: the Meppel Community Garden Association. What once started as a necessity for food supply has grown over 85 years into a place where young and old meet, garden and relax.
When you think of allotments, you might think of retired men standing among the potatoes and beans. But according to board member Sieger Nijdam, that image is no longer correct.
“Many people between the ages of twenty and forty are starting to garden these days,” he says as he walks through the complex. “The distribution between men and women is approximately equal and the backgrounds of the members are also very diverse.”
You can see that on the site. One garden is full of vegetable plants and neat potato rows, while a few paths further colorful flower borders, play areas and fruit bushes set the tone. Some members use their garden mainly for harvesting, others seek relaxation there.
“In the past, cultivation here was mainly for consumption,” says Nijdam. “Now there are also people who want to enjoy their garden all year round.”
He himself clearly belongs to the latter group. Via a narrow path under an ivy arch he shows his own garden: a green corner with raised containers, flowers, seating areas and a play area for his three grandsons.
“A child and water, that always works,” he laughs. “I have also built a playhouse here. When the grandchildren come over, they can have a great time here. And next season it will probably look different again. That also makes it fun.”
According to Nijdam, the allotment garden has become more than just a place to grow vegetables for many members. “I like to come here in the evening and sit for an hour. You hear the train go by, see everything growing. It really expands your habitat.”
Sustainability is also receiving increasing attention within the association. Volunteers recently installed a system that collects rainwater in large IBC containers. This allows many liters of water to be reused for the gardens.
“At first the water just flowed into the sewer,” says volunteer Harry. “We now use it here at the complex. And that happens a lot. They were only completely full recently and are now quite empty again.”
The 85th anniversary will be celebrated on June 20 with an open day at the allotment complex in Meppel. Visitors can look around and participate in various activities between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM.
