The green crown on Utrecht's skyline

A living oasis of trees and shrubs on Utrecht's skyline: that's Wonderwoods. The green towers bring nature back to the city. Van den Berk Nurseries played an important role in this. Wonderwoods is the second complex in the Netherlands with vertical greenery. And this unique flora puts Wonderwoods in the green spotlight all year long.

Van den Berk Nurseries is not an unknown name in the green space industry. It has been growing avenue trees, conifers, topiary trees and solitary shrubs for over 85 years. With a huge assortment of 1,600 species and cultivars, Van den Berk Nurseries supplies trees in all sizes; from medium to very large. This includes the spectacular Wonderwoods.

Flora in the city center

Wonderwoods is a complex where people can live, work and recreate and is inspired by the iconic 'Bosco Verticale' in Milan. Van den Berk Nurseries was involved at an early stage in the development of the planting for the towers. After all, the trees and shrubs not only had to be visually appealing, but also able to withstand the elements at high altitude.

Wonderwoods' planting feels at home in the city. In fact, it is similar to that of National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This inspiration is reflected in the great diversity of trees and shrubs, such as Amelanchier, Sorbus and Crataegus. "In this way the towers connect to the nature around Utrecht and promote the biodiversity of the city," says Thieu Pije, sales advisor West Netherlands at Van den Berk Nurseries. "We looked closely at all the options and advised preparing plants on Air-Pots," he says. "This innovative technique minimizes transplant risk and allows for year-round planting. Where you are normally limited to the winter months, with Air-Pots you can get started even in the middle of summer." 

The power of Wonderwoods

Where Wonderwoods' strength comes from is more than obvious to Pije: "In this project, all areas of expertise came together at the table to achieve the best end result. You don't come across that very often. Working together for one green goal: that's what makes Wonderwoods unique."