Groene Gracht: discover the green (Green Moat)
General
The Groene Gracht is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. You can take a walk here and enjoy the greenery. We also pay a great deal of attention to plants and animals. This creates an enjoyable place for everyone.
Plants and insects
Many insects live in the Groene Gracht. Insect hotels provide safe shelter for wild bees and bumblebees. Flowering plants ensure a sufficient supply of nectar. Thanks to varied planting and different flowering forms, the area remains attractive throughout the year.
Planting in the borders
The borders contain perennial plants. Some of these are native species, such as field sage, crane’s-bill and meadow scabious. We also plant other species, such as catmint and phlox. Many plants have blue flowers, which refer to the history of the moat.
Native vegetation
In some places, we sow native herbs such as wild chicory, knapweed, viper’s bugloss and common mallow. Shaded areas develop into species-rich tall herb vegetation. Sunny areas become flower-rich grassland.
We mow this vegetation once a year and remove the cuttings. This reduces soil nutrients, encourages the growth of herbs and creates a sustainable habitat for insects and birds.
Plants on the old city wall
Special plants also grow on the old city wall. Lime-rich joints, differences in height and a warm, sunny location create ideal conditions for wall plants. In the joints grow, among others, yellow corydalis, small rock thyme and motherwort.