ROTTERDAM, 13 May 2025 – Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum has joined the 'Rotterdam Make It Happen' brand alliance, aligning itself with the city’s focus on sustainability, nature and community connection. A diverse spring and summer programme will unfold at the Kralingen garden, including a plant market, creative workshops, and botanical concerts.
Trompenburg joins ‘Rotterdam Make It Happen’ brand alliance
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum has officially become part of the ‘Rotterdam Make It Happen’ network, a coalition of organisations dedicated to strengthening the city’s innovative and sustainable identity. The garden, located in the Rotterdam district of Kralingen, has long played a role in biodiversity and nature conservation. Its inclusion in the alliance marks a renewed commitment to fostering green awareness and reconnecting people with nature.
This year’s programming centres around the theme ‘Plant & Mens’ (Plant & Human), exploring the intrinsic link between humans and the natural world through a series of activities and events.
Seasonal events promote hands-on learning and creativity
A variety of guided walks and practical gardening workshops are scheduled to take place. These include plant propagation sessions and design-focused classes under the guidance of renowned garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet.
The annual Plant Market returns on the weekend of 17 and 18 May, offering plants directly from growers. On Saturday 17 May, the new forest gardening workshop ‘Bolster’ will be officially opened in De Overtuin food forest, which has been under development since 2016.
On Sunday 18 May, which coincides with Rotterdam’s annual Wederopbouwdag (Reconstruction Day), the exhibition “Insectendorp Oud Rotterdam” will open. Developed in collaboration with ceramicist Bastiaan Meijer, the display features insect houses inspired by historic Rotterdam buildings lost during the Second World War.
Creative workshops rooted in nature
This spring, visitors are invited to participate in creative workshops using materials from the gardens. One session, ‘Botanische prints op stof’ (Botanical prints on fabric), offers participants the chance to create sustainable artworks. Another, focused on weaving plant supports from willow branches, introduces the relaxing practice of traditional wilgenvlechten (willow weaving).
Music in the garden returns with ‘Musique Botanique’
Evening concerts will once again take place under the canopy of Trompenburg’s greenery. ‘Musique Botanique’ brings together musicians such as jazz trumpeter Eric Vloeimans and classical ensembles performing in period costume inspired by Bridgerton.
Upcoming activities at Trompenburg
The calendar includes:
- Plantenmarkt: 17 & 18 May
- De Overtuin forest walk: 25 May & 29 June
- Workshop: Cactus propagation – 15 June
- Workshop: Introduction to botanical drawing – 19 June
- Children’s treasure hunt ‘Groene Geheimen’: until 29 June
- Workshop: Garden design with Jacqueline van der Kloet – 1 June & 19 October
The garden is also open for daily walks. Research has shown that even a few minutes in nature can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.
How to get there
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum is located in Kralingen, a leafy neighbourhood just east of Rotterdam’s city centre. The gardens are easily accessible by tram and bike, and lie near the Erasmus University campus. The address is:
Trompenburg Tuinen & Arboretum
Honingerdijk 86, 3062 NX Rotterdam
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