DE PROEFTUIN*
* THE PATCH: A Landscape of Experimentation and Reflection and Nursery for The Artist Plant Conservatory
De Proeftuin (The Patch) is a piece of land between Amsterdam and the North Sea where nature and art intertwine. Four years ago, this field was as flat and green as the surrounding meadows. Now, through natural rewilding it has become a young oasis—an evolving ecosystem for hares and birds to find refuge. Amidst the encroaching signs of human activity—electricity pylons, container towers, and a nearby airport—the resilience of this landscape is striking. The ecosystem continues to grow and restore itself undisturbed, offering a sanctuary for native plants, hares, and countless birds. Here, artists, thinkers, and visitors engage with nature in new and unexpected ways.
De Proeftuin is also the hidden nursery of The Artist Plant Conservatory, a growing collection of rare and meaningful plants connected to artistic practices.
Exploring the Living Landscape
Gardener and writer Anke Riesenkamp documents the transformations she observes in this young ecosystem. In her column for See All This, she takes you along on her explorations of the garden, uncovering the intricate relationships between plants, soil, and time.
→ Read Anke Riesenkamp’s articles in See All This
WORKSHOPS in the GARDEN
Throughout the seasons, De Proeftuin hosts workshops, talks and masterclasses that bring together artists, makers, and nature enthusiasts.
From botanical drawing, making plant medicines to sculpting with natural materials, each session offers a hands-on approach to working with and learning from the micro- and macrocosmos you are part of.
WORKHOP & MASTERCLASSE
You Are a Garden –
Wild Lessons from Nature
Dates: 12 April, 17 May, 7 June, 5 July, 6 September
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Contribution: €299 for the series starting in April or 250,- if you need a discount)
Location: Vijfhuizerdijk 216B, Vijfhuizen (NL)
WORKSHOP SERIES 🌱
From spring to autumn, you’ll explore the basics of gardening, wild foraging, and ecosystem dynamics.
In De Proeftuin, between Haarlem and Amsterdam, you will sow, plant, weed, harvest, and taste together in the wild garden and vegetable garden. Alongside practical gardening and cultivation skills, you’ll gain inspiration from thinkers, artists, and scientists who offer unique perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature.
(Includes drinks and lunch from the garden – in summer, you’ll share in the harvest!)
WORKHOP & MASTERCLASSE
ARTIST IN THE GARDEN
Dates: June 1,8,15,22,29
Time: 14.00 AM – 17:00 PM
Contribution: €499 for the full series
Location: Vijfhuizerdijk 216B, Vijfhuizen (NL)
“The creative principle that gives life to the universe is in all things, and we are part of that creativity.” – Rupert Sheldrake
Scientific research has shown that a natural environment enhances our creativity: the moving air, the scent of plants, sounds and colors, and organic shapes help calm our minds and inspire us.
In the experimental garden, we are organizing a series of workshops with various artists, each working with different natural materials:
Visual artist Anouk Griffioen guides you in botanical drawing with charcoal, while sculptor Esther de Graaf leads the creation of sculptures from branches and reeds. With visual artist Frida Berntsen, you will explore umbelliferous flowers to make eco-prints using natural ink. Ceramist Anouk Martijn teaches you how to dig for clay and create small ceramic works inspired by seeds. Conceptual designer Merle Bergers brings the landscape to life through the scents of plants.
During this series of five Sunday mornings, you will have the opportunity to discover how nature inspires you.
Together with Anke Riesenkamp, you will explore The Patch- De Proeftuin, and under the guidance of artists, you will experiment with different materials, embracing nature as your muse. Each workshop focuses on a different material, offering space for experimentation, enjoyment, and wonder.
