Houthavens Botanique: A New Green Retreat in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, 12 June 2025 – In Amsterdam’s Houthavens district, H.R.H. Princess Margarita officially opened Houthavens Botanique, a newly created pocket park and tranquil green retreat. This project is a collaboration between Heren2, Ebben Tree Nursery, and Erwin Stam Tuinstudio. It underscores the importance and power of outdoor spaces. Such spaces contribute to a more sustainable and healthy urban environment where nature plays a vital role.

“We often underestimate the importance of green spaces in our cities,” said Princess Margarita. “They’re essential—not only for fresh ideas, but also for human connection and inspiration.”

Revitalising Urban Spaces

Nearly two decades ago, real estate developer Heren2, which specializes in transforming large urban areas, breathed new life into the Houthavens. They developed housing and office space, but their efforts didn’t stop there. In a continued effort to improve and green public spaces, the company initiated the transformation of a vacant lot on Minervahavenweg into a pocket park. Together with Ebben Tree Nursery and Erwin Stam Tuinstudio, they created a ten-year plan for a green oasis in the heart of the city: Houthavens Botanique.

Eijk van Otterloo, the initiator from Heren2, explained, “We have a green heart. It would be a shame not to turn this plot—which can’t be developed for at least ten years—into a lush landmark amid all the buildings here.” Inspired by the compact but impactful pocket parks of New York and Paris, Houthavens Botanique demonstrates that even small green spaces can have a significant impact on the local community.

The Essence of Houthavens Botanique

Where ships once docked and timber was traded, a new kind of seed has now been planted. The name Houthavens Botanique references both the area’s historic ties to the timber trade and the word botany, which comes from the ancient Greek and literally means “to nourish.” In this park, it symbolizes inspiration.

Landscape designer Erwin Stam conceived the concept: “This is a place to unwind. Amid the stress and deadlines of daily life, this space allows room for reflection and fresh thinking.” His studio created a design that blends classical elegance with innovation, while keeping sustainability and climate resilience top of mind. At the heart of the design is the relationship between people and nature.

The trees in the park were supplied by Ebben Tree Nursery, a family business founded in 1862, now run by the fifth generation. Based in the Land van Cuijk region, Ebben cultivates multi-stem trees, avenue trees, park trees, and large shrubs on over 550 hectares. In addition to being a public space, Houthavens Botanique also serves as a live showroom for the nursery. Dirk Ebben, who selected the trees, stated, “Our living environment simply can’t thrive without the power of green.”

Art and Nature Intertwined

The interplay of land and water is strikingly captured in the large mural by Berlin-based art collective Innerfields. Every five years, the adjacent docks host SAIL Amsterdam, the world’s largest maritime event. The mural’s title, United by Waves, is also the theme for SAIL 2025. According to Mitra van Raalten, director of SAIL 2025, the artwork symbolizes the deep connection between people and nature—a message reflected equally in the vision of Houthavens Botanique.

A Royal Opening

Princess Margarita had the honour of officially opening the park. Through her company De Parme Design, she creates nature-inspired fine jewellery that artistically highlights the beauty and importance of the natural world. Her designs draw on organic forms—such as the oak leaf.

“The oak is a primordial tree and a tree of the future,” she noted during the ceremony. “It’s beautiful to see one standing here at the heart of the park.”

Through De Parme Design, Princess Margarita supports several initiatives by Trees for All, a foundation that has been working for over 25 years to create a greener planet. “This is how I give something back to nature, which is a constant source of inspiration to me,” she said. As patron of the foundation, she advocates for tree planting projects in the Netherlands and abroad, encouraging the public to participate in nature restoration.

The Houthavens Botanique concept aligns seamlessly with her mission. Or as Erwin Stam put it, “A good outdoor space should offer relief—on every level.”

Conclusion: The Future of Urban Green Spaces

As cities continue to grow, the need for green spaces becomes increasingly vital. Projects like Houthavens Botanique not only enhance the beauty of urban areas but also promote well-being and community connection. They serve as reminders of the importance of nature in our lives.

In conclusion, Houthavens Botanique is more than just a park; it is a symbol of hope and inspiration for future urban developments. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring bond between people and nature.

PRESS RELEASE 13 June 2025

Press inquiries and photos: Please contact: *office@erwinstam-tuinstudio.com

Photos: Chantalle Laurent (@chantallelaurentphotography)

June 2025 © KaaT | Kunst & teksT