Natuurtuin Slatuinen

Description

Natuurtuin Slatuinen is a hidden nature garden in Amsterdam-West. It lies behind the facades of the Slatuinenweg and forms a quiet green courtyard in the middle of the city. The foundation describes it as a nature garden where spontaneous development is allowed, while management gently steers that development. Trees and herbs are mainly native species.

History

The garden was created in 1991 on the initiative of local residents. Since then it has been maintained as a resident self-management project. Amsterdam Weerproof describes it as a green oasis behind a metal gate on the Slatuinenweg, literally hidden behind the surrounding buildings.

Nature & Design

The management focuses on natural development, wild and native plants, and nature education. The garden has narrow paths, a small building, and wet green areas that help with rainwater and dry periods. According to Amsterdam Weerproof, the garden lies low compared with its surroundings and uses ponds and ditches for water buffering.

Visitor Information

The garden is open on Sunday afternoons from 13:00 to 16:00. On Thursdays it is open from 10:00 to 16:00 from October through March and from 10:00 to 17:00 from April through September. Accessibility for wheelchair users is limited; the gate is narrow and not all paths are accessible. Group tours are possible by appointment.

Good to Know

* The entrance is behind a green metal gate at Slatuinenweg 45.
* The garden is maintained through resident self-management.
* It is also used for nature education.
* The name Slatuinen refers to the historic area along the Slatuinenweg.