Tiny Vermeer from Haaren is perhaps the biggest tree lover in Brabant. Together with her husband, she collects small underprivileged trees in various places that are in the way. On Sunday morning people could pick them up from her home to give them a new home.
It is just after ten o’clock when the first people arrive in Tiny’s garden. Despite the less good weather, they still come to collect trees. “We come and choose trees. We get a Spanish barge, a lilac, an elder and another. Although I don’t remember it,” laughs Asya van Alst.
Together with her husband, Asya has a large garden in Oisterwijk. “And some trees and plants can be added. My friend had found this initiative and we really liked it.”
“We also call it ‘eco fitness'”
Tiny and her husband have been repurposing around thousands of trees for about four years now. “We collect the trees that are bothering people, for example because there are too many. They are wasting away or they are in the way.”
To prevent them from being mowed down or thrown away, Tiny will then collect the trees. “We then come and remove them from the ground with our team of volunteers. It is very pleasant and you are in motion. We also call it eco-fitness.”
“We use the shovel to remove the small trees from the ground,” says Tiny. “Most trees are immediately taken and given a new place. I take everything left over to my garden. They can be buried there until someone wants them.”
“We’re just busy with it.”
Usually they are only at Tiny’s for a short time, because the demand for the trees is high. “We’re just busy with it. There are also many people coming to this giveaway day today. That’s just nice. The sooner they get into the ground somewhere, the better it is.”
She has a wet notebook in her hand. Tiny keeps track of who comes and what they pick up. Jan Blonk and Peter Hoenderkamp are the last. They can take the leftovers with them. “And that is a fantastic return,” says Jan.
“We are very happy with it.”
Together with Peter he has a garden of several hectares just outside Tilburg. “The poplars that were there are gone, so many new trees had to be added. This is the new addition and we are very happy with it.”
The trees do not go in a trailer, but in the back of the car. “They are all small trees, so they fit in the back. But yes, now the car is a bit dirty. Anyway, it will be clean again,” Peter laughs.
