Musée The Pond Gardens of Ada Hofman

Fancy a trip to a garden in the Netherlands that is a little different from the tulip fields and Victorian-inspired landscape gardens which can be found across the country ?

Perhaps you should consider taking a trip to “ the Pond Gardens of Ada Hofman”  in the east of the country.

Enjoy nature

These also internationally known “gardens” help to highlight the many wonderful things that are possible to do with ponds and other water features in a garden area.

First laid down in 1987, these aquatic gardens were created by Ada Hofman, who had written extensively on ponds and pond care. The 5.5 acre grounds contain around 30 individual gardens, with 50 ponds spread between them, surrounding the 3 big natural ponds in the center.

There are seats in every garden to enjoy the tranquility, fragance, colors and sounds of flora and fauna on the senses.
There is a lot to see, babbling brooks, waterfalls, statues, and in the garden there are all types of perennials, shrubs, trees, and many different kinds of flowering water lillies.
 

Spectacular view

One of the most talked about features of the aquatic gardens is the spectacular roof garden which has been constructed atop the roof of the private house. The garden, which is approximately 600 square meters in total, has been created at a height of 3 metres, and actually contains a large pond. From this roof garden, it is possible for visitors to look out across the gardens.

Clear water

All of the ponds at the aquatic center are cleaned without chemicals or filters.

The vision of Ada Hofman to keep the water in the pond naturally clear and healthy in which oxygenating pond plants play such an important role, as described in her books, can be seen and is put into practice in the pond gardens.

A large number of species have been introduced to the aquatic gardens, including frogs, salamanders, and various types of fish. The garden actually plays host to the largest green frog population in the Netherlands. The frog concerts start from May.

Many water birds also visit including spectacular kingfishers.

Garden cafe

Both in and outside on the terrace you can enjoy the atmospheric environment while taking a refreshment. It is also possible to take a pre-made picnic basket with you in the garden.

Visitor Information

The gardens are open between start of May and end of September, from 12 until 5pm daily, except for Mondays when the garden is closed. It is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays during the open season. Dogs are not allowed onsite at all.