The gardens in the UNESCO village of Frederiksoord have a rich history dating back to 1884, the year the first Horticultural School of the Netherlands was founded. In the following years, this school grew into a nationally and internationally recognised institute. Here the so-called ‘garden hares’ studied, pupils who brought Frederiksoord to life and acquired practical knowledge that made them experts in horticulture.
From the very beginning, the gardens were the beating heart of this educational institution, and today they are more important than ever, despite a twenty-year period of decline. During that time, an interesting ecology developed within the gardens, which now serve as the essential basis for our heritage project DE PROEF.
DE PROEF is a unique heritage project focusing on gardening and agriculture, education, ecology and art & culture. In this social-ecological project, the former horticultural school is given a new purpose, where the rich past and future merge in a functional and sustainable landscape.
The project was launched two years ago by designers Joshua Kelly and Kim van den Belt of 4F.STUDIO, a future-oriented design practice that combines nature and technology. Since October 2023, the project has become a reality, and they have formed an association with seven local entrepreneurs, including themselves, who collectively take ownership. However, the success of the project also revolves around the growing group of volunteers, who form a strong foundation, as well as the ecologically minded green consultancy team, which includes Arborealis and Cruydt-hoeck.
Together with other creatives, farmers, volunteers, and academic partners such as TU Eindhoven, Wageningen University, Utrecht University, Hanze University Groningen and local entrepreneurs, the association aims to create an ecological and socially inclusive community and offer an alternative future.
The 8-hectare botanical garden and arboretum will be restored and managed ecologically, with an eye for both flora and fauna. Birds, butterflies and other insects find a welcome habitat here, and visitors can enjoy a carefully maintained natural environment. The garden contains as many as 530 diverse (mature) tree species, which form the basis of the whole. Here you can attend guided tours, workshops and lectures on topics such as food, ecology and heritage, among others. There is also space for (inter)national researchers, artists/designers and volunteers to stay internally for three months and set up or carry out a project.
DE PROEF’s mission is clear: to create a balance between past, present and future. By preserving the valuable elements of the traditional school garden and combining them with new ideas and techniques, it creates a unique place that honours the rich history of gardening and shapes a sustainable future.
Come along and discover how DE PROEF is working to restore Frederiksoord’s green heritage. An inspiring, experimental meeting place where buildings, people and nature enter into a symbiotic relationship. Visit us at deproef.org.
