De Zindering

De Zindering, situated on the rooftop of the Westluidense Poort parking garage in Tiel, Netherlands, is a captivating butterfly garden that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Nestled next to the cultural center Zinder, this 2300 m² oasis is a testament to the power of community initiative and environmental stewardship. The garden is not just a haven for butterflies and other pollinators but also a space where visitors can reconnect with nature and learn about the importance of biodiversity.

The Birth of De Zindering

The inception of De Zindering is a story of transformation and community effort. Initially, the area was slated for the construction of apartments and city homes. When these plans fell through, the local residents' organization, TielCentrumXL, seized the opportunity to turn the barren grassland into a vibrant butterfly garden. The idea was championed by council member Maureen Klijn of GroenLinks, and the project was led by visual artist Gera van der Leun. Edwin Barendrecht, a gardener from Tiel, designed the garden, drawing inspiration from The Dutch Wave movement, which emphasizes naturalistic planting and biodiversity.

Butterfly biologist Guus Smid contributed his expertise to ensure the garden would be an optimal habitat for butterflies and other insects. Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, an irrigation system was installed beneath the entire garden. Solar panels were also integrated to offset the energy used by the water pump, further enhancing the garden's sustainability. Efforts are ongoing to utilize rainwater from nearby buildings, such as the Agnietenhof and the old library, for the garden's irrigation needs.

The major groundwork was carried out by professionals, but the planting and final touches were largely completed by volunteers in the fall of 2020. The garden features organic plants that are particularly attractive to butterflies, bees, and other insects. It is designed to offer visual and ecological interest throughout the year and is fully wheelchair accessible. Remarkably, in its first year alone, the garden attracted numerous butterfly species, showcasing its immediate impact on local biodiversity.

Activities and Community Engagement

De Zindering is more than just a garden; it is a hub for community engagement and environmental education. The creators' mission is to enhance urban biodiversity and inspire everyone to adopt insect-friendly gardening practices. In collaboration with Zinder and the Rivierenland Library, a variety of activities are regularly organized in and around the garden. These include building insect hotels, environmental education sessions, photography and painting courses, guided tours, lectures, and workshops on designing insect-friendly gardens.

One of the garden's ambitious plans involves extending the planting throughout Tiel's city center, creating green corridors that serve as flight paths for insects. This initiative aims to populate the butterfly garden with native and organic plants, launch a challenge in primary schools, and encourage residents of the Rivierenland region to participate in creating seven ecological north-south connections.

As the first element of the Greening Wave from the Butterfly Garden, small façade gardens have been established in areas where the city's sewer system is being replaced. In January 2024, the butterfly route from Tiel to Eck and Wiel was inaugurated. By March, the first nurseries along the Dode Linge were sown, further expanding the garden's ecological impact.

The Seed Library

The adjacent Rivierenland Library houses a seed library where visitors can borrow seeds and return them after growing the plants. This initiative not only supports the garden's biodiversity but also encourages the community to engage in sustainable gardening practices. The seed library features seeds from De Zindering and contributions from other gardeners, fostering a spirit of sharing and collaboration.

Award-Winning Excellence

De Zindering's innovative approach and community impact have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, the garden won the Gelderland Public Award for spatial quality, receiving a prize of 10,000 euros. In 2023, it was one of ten projects nominated for an Appeltje van Oranje from the Oranje Fonds. The Greening Wave from the Butterfly Garden also secured first place in the Green Icon Project Challenge, earning a 100,000-euro prize from the province of Gelderland.

In conclusion, De Zindering is a shining example of how urban spaces can be transformed into thriving ecosystems through community effort and sustainable practices. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a budding gardener, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, De Zindering offers a unique and enriching experience. Its vibrant flora, diverse insect population, and engaging activities make it a must-visit destination in Tiel.