Community initiatives promote garden greening in NL and BE

Local initiatives in the Netherlands and Belgium are encouraging residents to increase greenery in their gardens to combat climate change effects such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall.

In Zeewolde, NL, IVN Natuureducatie and the local municipality are hosting the ‘Groene Straat Make-Over’. Residents can apply by September 16 to receive free plants, tools, and materials to replace tiles with greenery. The project aims to improve biodiversity, air quality, and social cohesion while mitigating heat and managing rainwater runoff.

In Belgium, Regionaal Landschap Schelde-Durme is organizing the ‘Behaag uw tuin’ campaign from September 1 to October 31. This initiative allows residents to purchase native trees, shrubs, and climbing plants at affordable prices. The goal is to improve water absorption and provide natural shade to make gardens more climate-resilient.