INSIGHTS

13 november 2022

NEW PLANTING
(Translated with Google)

Perhaps not so striking at first glance: a mound of sand with some new seeds. But what is happening here is quite innovative. We are in fact working on the further development of the marine development site that is OUTSIDE US.

While the HUISJES OP 'T VELD will be given an upcycle on the inside, in line with the core values ​​of ONS BUITEN, so-called hügels, or hills, will be constructed outside. From here arises a food forest-like environment, full fig trees, berries on the doorstep and nice smelling, fertile soil.

The hills provide an optimal environment in which soil life full of food and healthy fungi stimulate an explosive growth of the plant material. Moreover, enough water can be stored in the hills, which benefits plants and trees during dry periods.

Don't plant trees, sow them

Among other things, oak, maple and sweet chestnuts are sown. This is much faster than planting, and the trees also retain their taproot, which is cut off at the nursery. Another advantage is that many more trees can be sown in a small area than can be planted, which immediately results in maximum photosynthesis. This in turn ensures that more energy can be harvested (and returned to the earth). After some time, the trees are selectively thinned out.

The fruit trees   will be planted. Soon, plums, cherries and other fruits, among other things, will become available for guests, birds and animals. Different types of strawberries and herbs are placed on the bottom. Which will smell wonderful, especially in the summer!

Auxiliary Plants

Various plants, such as cardoon, fennel, and burdock, literally pave the way for saplings on the site. These plants have a thick taproot in which they store water. They absorb (through photosynthesis) water vapor from the atmosphere (which is also available in dry weather) and store this water in the so-called fleshy rhizome. The young trees then put their roots around this and can thus bridge dry summers.

Benefits of the cat willow

Anyone who has visited ONS BUITEN before may have noticed the many willow trees. This year we cut the willow again. The willow is a fast-growing species, with some nice benefits.

1. Immediately after the first year, meters high and full;

2. Lots of pollen early in the spring, just when the bees need it most;

3. Management and harvesting is fast and efficient (little interruption);

4. A lot of biomass (food for soil life; thereby food for birds and other life);

5. The willow releases growth hormones on the roots (eg gliberine) when pruned, as a result of which the other plants grow much faster;

6. Also because of the partial shade of the willow, the other park grows much faster than in full sun;

7. Both the foliage and the harvest chop significantly reduce drought stress.