Residents in The Hague can request free packets of flower seeds to plant in the bare soil around street trees, turning a small patch into a mini-garden.
The mix is made up of flowers that grow naturally in the city, such as poppies and daisies, and the seeds have not been treated with pesticides.
The planting area, known as a tree pit, is the patch of earth around a street tree, and filling it with flowers also helps local bees.
When to sow the seeds
The seeds should be sown in November or December, before the frost arrives.
After that, the main task is to wait, because the first flowers come up by themselves once spring weather turns warmer.
A free tree marker is available as well, telling passers-by and green space managers that someone is already caring for the patch and that they can leave it alone.
Where to collect the seeds
Residents need to submit an application form before collecting the seeds.
Pick-up is available at the city farms from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11:00 and 15:00.
The Duurzaam Den Haag office at Guntersteinweg 377 also hands them out from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 16:00.
No seeds are left at ’t Waaygat.
