On 24 October, we held a well-attended NVTL event at the CASA architecture centre in Arnhem, centred around the publication of “Een Vereniging van Tuinkunstenaars – Grondleggers van de tuin- en landschapsarchitectuur in Nederland” (An Association of Garden Artists – Founders of Garden and Landscape Architecture in the Netherlands), published by Blauwdruk.

Host Ton Schulte gave a fine introduction to the history of Arnhem’s ring roads, from strongholds to strolling to traffic. In her lecture on the current development of the city centre, Astrid Kepers-Koornberg, Urban Planning Strategist at the Municipality of Arnhem, highlighted many projects in which NVTL members are or have been involved.

A contemporary group photo was taken at the former café-restaurant Riche, where the famous photo of (most of) the founders of the BNT was taken in 1923. The excursion continued in two groups, with Lucia Albers giving a detailed account of the current state of the Jansbinnensingel and Velperbinnensingel. She showed what remains of the designs by Springer and Poortman, what has changed, and how the historic trees are being managed.

With Theo Reesink, we followed the Sint-Jansbeek, which has been brought back above ground according to the design by Poelmans Reesink. A conscious decision was made to create separate stream fragments, each with its own atmosphere, so that the north-south connection is preserved. The stream flows into the Rhine, where the Rijnkade is being reinforced and redesigned, with more connection between the high and low quays and space for greenery and recreation. A skate park has been built under the Nelson Mandela Bridge, next to the Blauwe Golven national monument. Willem Brouwers of veenenbosenbosch landscape architects talked about the renovation of Peter Struycken’s environmental artwork, where the detailing has improved both the lines and the parking facilities. The area surrounding the stone artwork has been greened, creating a spacious walking zone.

During the book presentation, Harry Harsema recounted how he got to know the founders of the BNT on a personal level through his in-depth research for the publication. He provided beautiful insights into some of the characters of these remarkable historical figures. Jeroen Bosch supplemented this with a presentation of a number of their landscape and garden projects, which are still beautiful today.

Joeri de Bekker discussed the themes that played a role in the founding of the BNT and during the terms of the previous chairmen, raising the question of how things can be done differently. He presented the first copies of the book to the former chairs of the NVTL and the various authors who contributed to the publication. During the festive reception, Harry Harsema signed copies of the book for those present.

NVTL office members will receive a free copy next week. NVTL members can request a free copy of the book here, while stocks last, until 12 November 2025 at the latest:

More information about the book & registration form