Boskoop logging route

Strolling through the gardens of Boskoop: lots of (Japanese) nature, history and coffee
ON THE WALKING House, tree and another tree. Boskoop is the place to be for a portion of raked greenery. This nursery village is making a name for itself nationally and internationally with their floriculture and the famous'Schone van Boskoop\\\'.
Kirsten Bliekendaal 23-01-21, 16:19
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You only see how grand and special this area actually is when you literally find yourself in and around the gardens. Various walking routes have been set out between the chain of tree nurseries. The Houtakkersroute is one of them. In 12 kilometers, walkers discover the hidden swampy dike paths and special historical places without losing sight of the green pride of Boskoop.
The growers' village briefly introduces itself in the Experimental Garden of Holland. An informative and educational center for and about the floriculture sector. We recommend starting the walk here so that you have an idea of what awaits you along the way. Moreover, upon your return (depending on the applicable corona measures) you will have something tasty from the local shop on site.
The more than 2,500 different tree nursery crops in Harry van der Laar's assortment garden give you a glimpse of the size of the Dutch trade assortment. From ornamental shrubs, conifers to roses and Japanese trees, you will find it all in Boskoop. Often planted in clear, neat rows. Such as the plants on the grounds of rhododendron and hydrangea grower Jos Kolster.
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The Japanese tree nursery on the route.
The Japanese tree nursery on the route. © Kirsten Bliekendaal
In the shape of round green balls, the plants are working on their growth towards maturity in the nutritious peat soil. Are you more of the exotic kind? Then take your time at the gates of Yokoso. Normally the Japanese garden is open, but this is not possible due to corona. From the road you also have a good view of the many trees, lanterns and gigantic stones that are imported from Japan.
A Japanese garden: why in Boskoop?
Anyone who bakes apple pie knows that the Goudreinet is the ideal apple for this. But did you also know that this fresh, sour fruit first grew on a tree in Boskoop centuries ago? The fact that not everyone knows this is in the name. "The strange thing is that in all countries, except the Netherlands, this apple is called by its original name'Schone van Boskoop\\\'," says Cor van Gelderen of Botanical Garden Esveld.
"I don't know who decided to call this apple Goudreinet. Secretly, we in Boskoop think that is a bit of a shame," he says with a laugh. "In the 19th century, many apples were grown in Boskoop. This was due to the abbey of Rijnsburg. Centuries ago he had large orchards here where he sold fruit and later fruit trees.\\\"
Over time, this fruit cultivation turned into ornamental cultivation. “That was due to the German doctor Siebold. In 1800 he introduced exotic plants from Japan. The Boskoop growers quickly realized that there was more to be earned from rare plants. Now apple trees have all but disappeared from Boskoop. "Our soil is too soft for the large machines. In the Betuwe, on the harder clay soil , they can reach it with large equipment.\\\" Boskoop therefore only gets the honor from the name of the apple, abroad that is.
In Rozenlaan, stately houses and tall water cypresses temporarily hide the nurseries behind them from view. A pedestrian bridge over the water still leads to the Rose Castle. A former patronage building from 1912 that has been vacant since 2010. Many Boskopers, including the local carnival association, have fond memories of the parties that were held there. It is therefore sensitive that the monumental building makes way for apartments.
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Buy a flower? That is also possible on this route.
Buy a flower? That is also possible on this route. © Kirsten Bliekendaal
It is no coincidence that there are so many tree nurseries in Boskoop. You can learn all about it in the Tree Nursery Museum, a few meters off the route. Because the museum is now closed due to corona, we consulted Boskoop plant expert Cor van Gelderen. He told us, among other things, that around 1200 the abbess of Rijneveld wanted to expand the areas around his abbey (now Boskoop) with orchards. In contrast to many polders in the area, peat was not allowed to be excavated due to this expansion.
Peat is the ideal breeding ground for trees and plants. Because the orchards were low, farmers dug ditches to raise the land with the peat. Wood fields were created in the water between the orchards: a narrow strip of land with rows of trees on top. The Houtakkers Boskoop Foundation is committed to preserving this piece of disappearing history.
The strips, which served as windbreaks for the plants at the nurseries, are less and less needed, partly due to more modern techniques. In the last kilometers the Houtakkersroute lives up to its name. Over the muddy surface of a wooded field, your well-deserved cup of coffee (hopefully) comes closer and closer.
The route
Length: Logging route 12 kilometers
Marking via the walking junctions: 32 - 52 - 21 - 31 - 91 - 34 - 95 - 94 - 16 - 74 - 47 - 58 - 48 - 93 - 32
Starting point: TOP Boskoop on the grounds of the Testing Garden of Holland. Address: Rijneveld 153 in Boskoop. The Tree Nursery Museum can be found at Reijerscoop 52. Please pay attention to the current events surrounding the corona measures. This also applies to the cozy Yume tea garden on the grounds of Botanical Garden Esveld at Rijneveld 72 and to the opening hours of the regional shop at the Proeftuin.
AD Groene Hart, Going for a walk: around Boskoop