Designing a garden? The biggest benefits of a green garden
More and more people are discovering the importance of greenery in their living environment. Not only because a garden full of plants, trees, and flowers looks beautiful, but also because it contributes to a healthier and more sustainable world. But what exactly are the benefits of a green garden? And what should you consider when creating a garden design?
Why a green garden is essential in every design
A green garden has more benefits than you might think. The first thing that comes to mind for many people is that greenery looks attractive and inviting. And that's true. But there's much more to it than meets the eye. Planting contributes to a healthier living environment, a better climate, and plays a major role in climate adaptation (adapting the living environment to climate change). More greenery means, among other things:
- Collecting and retaining rainwater: Greenery prevents flooding by absorbing rainwater and gradually allowing it to seep into the soil.
- Cooling in the summer: Plants and trees provide natural cooling through evaporation, which lowers the ambient temperature.
- Sun protection and shade: Cleverly placed plants provide natural sun protection and keep outdoor spaces pleasant on warm days.
- Biodiversity: A green garden attracts birds, bees and butterflies and enhances biodiversity in the area.
- Sound insulation: Plantings dampen noise from traffic or neighbors, thus creating more peace and privacy.
- Reduction of CO2 in the air: Plants purify the air by absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen, which contributes to a healthier climate.
- Improving mental health: A new study by Stanford's Natural Capital Project (NatCap) and the Leiden University it turns out that nature can help with stress, anxiety and depression.
At Buro Mien Ruys, we incorporate these developments into all our designs, for both the climate and people.
Welke soorten tuinen zijn er en waar moet je op letten
Greenery plays an important role in any garden design. But what should you consider? And what are the different types of gardens? First, determine what kind of garden you're dealing with: is it a small or large garden? A company garden or a private garden? A schoolyard or a garden at a healthcare facility?
In addition, gardens can have different functions. For example, the design of a display garden is different from that of a utility garden. Examples of functions include:
- Recreation; A square or a park
- Stay; A terrace
- Playing; schoolyard or playground
- Relax; courtyard
- Sports; exercise garden
The type of planting in a garden also needs to be taken into account. For example, you can't plant poisonous berries in a schoolyard. Or, plants along roads need to be resistant to road salt. So, there are many factors to consider.
Het proces van ontwerpen
Een tuin ontwerpen is een proces waarin gevoel, inzicht en ervaring samenkomen. Het draait niet alleen om creativiteit in het maken van mooie combinaties, maar het gaat ook om kennis van beplanting en onderhoud. Het toepassen van de juiste plant op de juiste plek maakt een ontwerp tot een succes. Dat vergt veel assortimentskennis over de eisen die planten stellen aan vocht, grondsoort, licht en hoe ze zich ontwikkelen.
The design process begins with a preliminary design, in which we determine the initial layout and boundaries. This is followed by a preliminary design, in which we specify materials, such as the use of wooden posts. We then develop this into a final design with exact heights and dimensions. The garden design is further detailed at each stage.
Example of a garden design: green play area
Commissioned by De Enk Groen en Golf and the municipality of Bergen (BUCH), Buro Mien Ruys designed a green, challenging play area with a focus on both children and nature. The play area incorporates natural elements such as wooden play equipment, trees, shrubs, and flowers. The green area is climate-adaptive, and the design emphasizes native and regionally inspired plants. An attractive play area for both children and residents!
De keuze voor groene beplanting
Veel mensen willen een onderhoudsvriendelijke én aantrekkelijke tuin, maar weten niet goed welke planten daarbij passen. De keuze voor groene beplanting is dan essentieel. De juiste planten zorgen niet alleen voor kleur en sfeer, maar ook voor minder onderhoud, betere waterafvoer en verkoeling in warme periodes.
Bij een goed ontwerp wordt gekeken naar de bodem, lichtinval en functie van de tuin. Zo ontstaat een groenplan dat jarenlang mooi blijft en bijdraagt aan een gezonde leefomgeving.
Who was Mien Ruys and how can we continue her work?
Mien Ruys is nationally and internationally renowned as a pioneer of modern garden architecture. Pursuing clean lines and using proven planting was her credo and remains the cornerstone of our work today. We proudly continue her vision and legacy. Do you want to create a garden design? And do you need professional insights? Feel free to contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a green garden important for the climate?
What is modern garden architecture?
Why hire a professional garden designer?
Who was Mien Ruys and what is her influence on modern garden design?
Hoe werkt het 3D ontwerpen van een tuin?
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Designing a garden? The biggest benefits of a green garden
More and more people are discovering the importance of greenery in their living environment. Not only because a garden full of plants, trees, and flowers looks beautiful, but also because it contributes to a healthier and more sustainable world. But what exactly are the benefits of a green garden? And what should you consider when creating a garden design?
