Looking outside in the backyard of Wim and Trudy who is against the sound wall of the Randstadrail

Wallflower garden

Trudy and Wim moved from Leidschenveen to Zoetermeer in 1980. Trudy explains: “Seghwaert is a very pleasant neighbourhood, a bit popular.” Two children of Wim and Trudy have now also come to live in Seghwaert with their family. “Lovely close.” At the time, the house on the Muurbloemtuin was a new-build project with a very special garden. The garden was built against the noise barrier of the Randstadrail.

Lecture of the Intratuin

There was not a blade of grass to be seen in the family’s garden. There was only clay and sand and not a single flat area. How do you work then? Wim explains: “Nobody in our street had experience with the special shape of the garden. Ed Droogh of the Intratuin even came to give a lecture to all residents. He gave us some tips and tricks on how best to tackle this.”

Ultimately it was a matter of trial and error for Wim. He started by making a staircase in the middle of the garden and excavating it to create a plain. “I moved those stairs several times later.” Wim says he has absolutely no green fingers. But after our visit, we disagree.

Rich neighbors

“The savings bank would actually be next to our house, they had already planted trees in the back of the garden to start planting. In the end, this did not go through, so those trees were dying.” Trudy and Wim decided to plant the trees in their own garden. All the way in the back so that the passing Sprinter disappears behind. The photos show how the baby trees have grown into beautiful mature trees.

Growing up in a magical garden full of danger

“A garden like this is actually not at all convenient with four small children. You have to be constantly careful.” But the garden is – in addition to being a link for the children – also magical. There are little elevations, secret corners and the most beautiful colorful flowers everywhere.”