Tag Archives: Park Frankendael

Stijlvol Tuinieren

Growing herbs, , , , , ,

[For English – Click Here]

Vrijwilligers gezocht: Voor het wekelijkse tuinonderhoud van de Stijltuin bij Huize Frankendael

Houdt u van tuinieren en wilt u deel uitmaken van een vrijwilligersteam dat zich inzet om van de Stijltuin bij Huize Frankendael een mooie, rustige en inspirerende plek te maken?

Lynn Shore en Tamara Last (die Engels en Nederlands spreken) zijn op zoek naar enthousiaste en toegewijde vrijwilligers om deze bekende tuin te helpen onderhouden en verbeteren. We zullen voornamelijk in de Stijltuin zelf werken en ook de bosgebieden ernaast netjes houden – alles in lijn met de elegantie en het erfgoed van de locatie.

Wanneer:
Maandag 09:30 – 14:00 uur, het hele jaar door.
(Vanaf maandag 2 juni)

Wat doen we?
Algemeen tuinonderhoud onder leiding van Lynn en Tamara. In het eerste jaar bestaat dit voornamelijk uit onkruid wieden en het verplaatsen van planten om gaten in de borders op te vullen. We zullen nieuwe planten kweken uit zaad en stekken. De prioriteit ligt bij het verbeteren van de esthetiek. Lynn en Tamara werken samen met de Vrienden van Frankendael aan een beplantingsplan dat past bij de tijd van Huize Frankendael. Zodat we straks een stijltuin hebben die prachtig aansluit bij de locatie en een genot is voor alle bezoekers.

Wie zoeken we?
Enthousiaste mensen, bij voorkeur met enige tuinervaring, maar de wil om te leren en de inzet om de stijltuin weer mooi te maken door regelmatig deel te nemen, vinden we belangrijker.

Waar:
De Stijltuin ligt direct achter Huize Frankendael, waar Restaurant Merkelbach gevestigd is – net binnen de hoofdingang van Park Frankendael, in de Watergraafmeer (Amsterdam Oost).
Adres: Middenweg 72, 1097 BS Amsterdam.

Als dit u aanspreekt, neem dan contact op met Lynn (lynn.shore@gmail.com) om uw interesse kenbaar te maken.

We kijken ernaar uit om samen iets heel bijzonders te laten groeien!

Stylish Gardening

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[Voor Nederlands – Klik Hier]

Volunteers Wanted: For the weekly garden maintenance of the Stijltuin at Huize Frankendael

Do you love gardening and would you like to be part of a team of volunteers who are committed to making the Stijltuin at Huize Frankendael a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring place?

Lynn Shore and Tamara Last (who speak English and Dutch) are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help maintain and improve this well-known garden. We will mainly work in the Stijltuin itself and also keep the woodland areas next to it tidy – all in keeping with the elegance and heritage of the location.

When:
Monday 09:30 – 14:00, all year round.
(From Monday 2nd June)

What do we do?
General garden maintenance led by Lynn and Tamara. In the first year this will mainly consist of weeding and moving plants to fill in gaps in the borders. We will grow new plants from seed and cuttings. The priority is to improve the aesthetics. Lynn and Tamara are working with the Friends of Frankendael on a planting plan that fits the time of Huize Frankendael. So that we will soon have a style garden that fits in beautifully with the location and is a pleasure for all visitors.

Who are we looking for?
Enthusiastic people, preferably with some gardening experience, but the will to learn and the commitment to make the style garden beautiful again by participating regularly, we find more important.

Where:
The Stijltuin is located directly behind Huize Frankendael, which is the home of Restaurant Merkelbach – Just inside the main entrance of Park Frankendael, in the Watergraafmeer area of Amsterdam Oost.
Address: Middenweg 72, 1097 BS Amsterdam.

If this appeals to you, please contact Lynn (lynn.shore@gmail.com) to express your interest.

We look forward to growing something very special together!

April 9 – Wildpluk wandeling

Foraging, Urban Herb Walks, Wildbiome2, , , , , , ,

WEDNESDAY 26th MARCH
10.00 – 11.30 – Park Frankendael (Full with waiting list)
€20 per person

WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL
10.00 – 11.30 – Park Frankendael
€20 per person

Click here for full agenda.

Wil je weten welke eetbare en medicinale planten er in Amsterdam te vinden zijn op verschillende tijden van het jaar? Wil je weten hoe je jouw dieet gratis kunt aanvullen met lokale planten? En wilt u weten hoe de lokale giftige planten zijn? Geweldig! Ga dan met mij mee voor een wandeling in Park Frankendael en laat mij je laten zien wat er in de buurt is; Leer hoe je heerlijke en voedzame planten kunt identificeren, hoe je ze op ethische wijze kunt oogsten en hoe je ze kun gebruiken.

Wildpluk wandeling
De wandeling start en eindigt op dezelfde locatie, bij de fietsenrekken die het dichtst bij Huize Frankendael/Restaurant Merkelbach liggen. We wandelen door het bos, langs water, op gras en andere plekken in het park, inclusief de tuinen waar je voedsel kunt verzamelen die ik sinds 2014 samen met andere vrijwilligers heb onderhouden. De wandeling gaat door bij alle weersomstandigheden, behalve bij stormen. Je ontvangt een hand-out om je te helpen de planten en toepassingen te onthouden, en we drinken kruidenthee van kruidenvondsten. Als je wat verzamelde vondsten mee naar huis wilt nemen, neem dan een klein papieren of katoenen zakje mee om wat kruiden en zaden mee naar huis te nemen. De wandeling is rustig en vrij langzaam, de paden zijn grotendeels natuurlijk, van houtsnippers of aarde. Er is een openbaar toilet in het park. Kom voorbereid om eenvoudig verbinding te maken met de stedelijke natuur.

Jouw wildpluk docent
Mijn naam is Lynn Shore, ik geef al meer dan 15 jaar les in stedelijke wildpluk- en zelfvoorzienende vaardigheden in Amsterdam. Ik ben een ervaren kruidkundige en een trots lid van de Association of Foragers, en een Trustee van The Herb Society. Door de jaren heen heb ik wandelingen geleid voor grote en kleine groepen (waaronder Greenpeace), gewerkt met topbarmannen, restaurants, milieuvriendelijke bedrijven en gemeenschapsgroepen.

Deze april doe ik mee aan het Wildbiome onderzoeksproject, waar ik een maand lang alleen van geplukt en wilde voedsel zal leven om de effecten op het lichaam te bestuderen. Ik heb speciale interesses in het verbeteren van de stedelijke voedselzekerheid en mentale gezondheid door middel van natuurverbinding. Ik woon heel dicht bij Park Frankendael en ken de planten hier op mijn duimpje!

Deze wandeling is in het Engels. Ik spreek ook Nederlands. This walk is in English and Dutch.

Boekingsinformatie
Om uw boeking veilig te stellen, kunt u mij een e-mail sturen op urban.herbology.lynn@gmail.org om te controleren of er ruimte is. Betaling dient voorafgaand aan de wandeling te worden gedaan op bankrekening NL41 SNSB 0705 8981 99 (LM Shore). Stuur een e-mail naar urban.herbology.lynn@gmail.com, in geval van vragen, of neem gerust contact met mij op via 06 275 969 30.

Annuleringsbeleid
Betalingen worden volledig terugbetaald tot 24 uur voor het evenement. Als u na die tijd moet annuleren (dus minder dan 24 uur voor de starttijd van het evenement), kan er alleen een terugbetaling worden gedaan als we uw plaats met iemand anders kunnen opvullen.

March and April Foraging Walks

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WEDNESDAY 26th MARCH
10.00 – 11.30 – Park Frankendael (Full with waiting list)
€20 per person

WEDNESDAY 9th APRIL
10.00 – 11.30 – Park Frankendael
€20 per person

Click here for full agenda.

Would you like to know which edible and medicinal plants are possible to find in Amsterdam at different times of the year? Want to know how to supplement your diet for free from local plants? And would you like to know how the local poisonous plants? Great! Then, join me for a walk in Park Frankendael and let me show you what’s around; Learn how to identify delicious and nutritious plants, how to ethically harvest them, and how to use them.

These Walks
The walk will start and end at the same location, near the bike racks closest to Huize Frankendael/Restaurant Merkelbach. We will walk in the woods, alongside water, on grass and other areas of the park – including the foraging gardens which I have nurtured with other volunteers, since 2014. The walk will go ahead in all weather except storms. You will receive a handout to help you remember the plants and uses, and we will drink herbal tea from herbal finds. If you want to take some foraged finds home, please bring along a small paper or cotton bag to take home some herbs and seeds. The walk is gentle and fairly slow, the paths are mostly natural, of woodchip or soil. There is a public toilet in the park. Come prepared to connect simply with urban nature.

Who am I?
My name is Lynn Shore, I have been teaching urban foraging and self-sufficiency skills, in Amsterdam for over 15 years. I am an experienced herbalist and a proud member of the Association of Foragers, and a Trustee of The Herb Society. Over the years, I have led walks for large and small groups (including Greenpeace), work with top bartenders, restaurants, eco-friendly businesses, and community groups.

This April I am take part in the Wildbiome research project where I will live only on foraged food for the month to study the effects on the body. I have special interests in improving Urban Food Security, and mental health through nature connection. I live very close to a Park Frankendael, and know the plants here like the back of my hand.

This walk is in English – I also speak Dutch.

Booking Information
To secure your booking, please email me at Urban.herbology.lynn@urbanherbology.org to check there is space. Payment should be made in advance of the walk to bank account NL41 SNSB 0705 8981 99 (LM Shore). Email urban.herbology.lynn@gmail.com, in case of questions, or contact me on 06 275 969 30.

Cancellation Policy
Payments are fully refundable up to 24 hours before the event. If you need to cancel after that time (so less than 24 hours before the event start time) a refund can only be made if we can fill your place with someone else.

Approaching Samhain Walk

Urban Herb Walks, Wheel of the year, , , , , ,

Join Lynn Shore, professional forager and herbalist, to explore local nature as we approach Samhain.

SATURDAY 26th OCTOBER
10.00 – 12.00 – Park Frankendael
€30 per person

On this 2-hour gentle walk, we will look to local plants, animals and other life forms, for signs of Samhain. That is the cross-quarter day between the Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice. It is seen by many as the start of the Pagan New Year. It is the time when the wild hunt is said to rip through the world, and certainly, it can be a time of spectacular changing weather. Samhain is a time of reflection, inwardness, mushrooms and roots (both the plant and family kind).

You will learn about
Local wild creatures, edible and medicinal plants
Signs in nature as the seasons change
Wild and feral Amsterdam plants
How to identify, harvest and safely use local herbs
Ways to help local wildlife
Increasing your connection to place and self-reliance
Simple rituals to bring yourself closer to urban nature at Samhain

What to expect
This small group walk will be 2 hours long, starting and ending at the same location, near the bike racks closest to Huize Frankendael/Restaurant Merkelbach. We will walk in the woods, alongside water, on grass and other areas of the park. The walk will go ahead in all weather except for storms, so dress for the occasion and check for updates if we get storms. There will be opportunity to walk barefoot, but no pressure if you prefer not to. There will be a handout to help you remember things afterwards and we will drink herbal tea from herbal finds. If you want to forage, please bring along a small paper or cotton bag to take home some herbs and seeds. The walk is gentle and fairly slow, the paths are mostly natural, of woodchip or soil. We will sit outside to drink herbal tea and eat the wild snack. There is a public toilet in the park.
Come prepared to connect simply and more deeply to urban nature.

About your guide
Lynn is an experienced herbalist and professional forager, who is specialized in local herbs and reconnecting city people to nature. She has been teaching foraging in Amsterdam and helping city people become more self-reliant for 14 years, and has been a practicing herbalist for over 20 years. Her special interest is improving mental health through herbs and nature. Lynn set up the beautiful community foraging gardens, over 10 years ago, in Park Frankendael. Part of this walk will be in there. In April 2025, she’ll be participating in the Wildbiome project, eating only wild food for one month, as part of a research project investigating how wild foods affect our health.

Booking
Email urban.herbology.lynn@gmail.com to book your place. When payment is received, your place will be confirmed by email. Please see the fair cancellation policy on the Events page.

Herbal Orchards Gardening

Herbs, Places, River of Herbs, , ,

The next organized gardening morning at the herb orchards, in Park Frankendael will be this coming Thursday 10th March (10.00 – 12.00).

Light gardening, tidying up, some pruning to be done, and fallen twigs. No experience necessary!

The intention is to spruce it all up a little and may be able to begin some light-harvesting for Herbalists Without Borders remedies. We need to leave the major tree work to the gemeente so will stay away from the area where the tall tree fell during the storm (nettle orchard).

Come join me if you would like to – bring gardening gloves (not essential but handy) and a pair of secateurs if you have them (again not essential) and maybe a mug and flask of warm drink. If you need more information, email me or send a what’s app (0627596930).

Images of autumn

30 day challenge, Courses, River of Herbs, Urban Herb Walks, , ,

I’ve been busy with all sorts since my last post. There’s a little competition at the end of this one for those able to get to Amsterdam who fancy trying for a free Herbology Walk in Amsterdam oost. Work (school) has been lively. We’re fully open and yet the rest of the world seems to be closing up. Interesting times for all!

Am loving helping new Urban Herbology students on my courses – some are working so quickly on the Crafting Course, it’s great to see their enthusiasm!

I’ve been enjoying many walks in Amsterdam’s green spaces and was honoured to speak to a group at the Vrienden van Vrankendael’s celebration in Huize Frankendael’s coach house recently, about my involvement and hopes for the park. The guests were invited by the Vrienden van Frankendael and I spoke about the River of Herbs gardens. The Friends of Frankendael also featured us in the first article of their special 30 year celebratory magazine. The article is called Het eetbare park – The edible park. I’m very grateful to have been interviewed by them and especially humble to be so welcomed in the park.

Bench in one of the River of Herbs Orchards

Increasing capacity for multifunctional, sustainable urban edible spaces and community gardens is so important. City parks and planners can help enormously with this. I love discussing options for these spaces, with people who can help it to happen on a bigger scale.

Yew – Taxus

Marisa, one of my apprentices, graduated from the full course, in the woods, during one of the Witching Season gatherings. She has worked really hard on the course and I’m sure that good green things will continue to come from it! Marisa runs a fabulous vegan skincare company called Primal Essence and I love her products. Finally, they are available in Amsterdam!

Primal Essence

I’m now enjoying offering walking & talking consultations in Amsterdam and look forward to supporting more clients with personalised herbalism, reflexology and yoga. Details are on the Consultations page.

I thought that you may like to see a few photos from the past month or so.

So what have you been finding? Personally, I’m most pleased with the delights of the Virginia creeper grapes and Chinese Hawthorn, this season. Also the invisible strength building qualities of Michaelmus daisy.

Most people are writing to me about mushrooms this autumn. I must expand my confident-to-forage-and feed-my-family-fungi repertoire! Those shown above are for their beauty alone. I did eat the Jelly ear this evening. The others remain on the woodland floor, logs and benches where they belong – invisibly connecting life and death. Perfect organisms for teaching us about Samhain.

If you can tell me via email where this is, you’ll win a private 45 minute Herbology Walk in Amsterdam oost this autumn or winter! First person wins. Mutually convenient date and time to be arranged with the winner.

Free food !

Foraging, Growing herbs, Perennial herbs, , , , ,

Want to grab a bag of hyper-local organic herbs in grateful return for a couple of hours light gardening? Sign up through the Meetup link to join the River of Herbs volunteer gardening team on Monday morning. Details are on the meetup event information.

I won’t be teaching here – doing that in the afternoon and the walk is full. This is for gardeners – no experienced required – everyone is a gardener because we all need to eat 🙂

Sign ups must be through meet up please and did bring along a bag to take your herbs home.

Some of the herbs available to volunteers in the foraging gardens pantry this week (in varying quantities) are:

Stinging nettle tops

Wild garlic (Daslook – Ramsons)

Fennel

Horehound

Chives

Deadnettles

Amsterdamian Interview

Api-centricity, Apprenticeship, Foraging, River of Herbs, , , ,

Lynn in gnome like position (Photo credit: Amsterdamian.com)

I met Dana Marin of Amsterdamian.com several years ago through the River of Herbs project. She is a beautiful soul who loves herbs, crafting and gardening. She also loves Amsterdam and runs the Amsterdamian.com website which you must visit!

Last summer Dana joined me in the Frankendael Orchards to catch up, take photos and forage. It was lovely, a lot of fun and included me falling of the bench in this photo, into the plants!!

Dana’s interview with me is now published on Amsterdamian.com. If you fancy some background about urban herbology, ethical urban foraging, city witch-iness and to know what’s driving me at the moment, hop on over to Dana’s beautiful website!

Foraging Wild Garlic

Bulbs, Foraging, Growing herbs, , , , ,

Three beautiful blades of Wild garlic / Ramsons / Daslook (Allium ursinum), plucked from the River of Herbs orchards in Park Frankendael today. I made some pungent daslook sauce from these, by blending them with olive oil and a little apple cider vinegar.

And here are a couple of year old wild garlic bulbs which I removed from the orchard path. The reason for this is discussed in the podcast. Have a listen and let me know your uses for the plant and if you have had any success growing it. The paths are edged with fallen branches. In this photo you can see how the plant spreads into the paths.

I only forage wild garlic when there are huge swathes of it and the leaves are a few inches long.

I’m off to make some dinner using a little of that sauce now. Perhaps you would like to listen to my latest podcast, about ethically foraging Wild Garlic and how to use it.