Tuinliefhebberij

Tuinliefhebberij, or 'garden enthusiasm', is a Dutch term describing the hobby of gardening and the affection for gardens and plants. It refers to a lifestyle and interest rather than a professional discipline, though it can overlap with formal horticulture and landscape design. Participants, often called tuinliefhebbers, engage in a range of activities driven by curiosity and enjoyment of plant growth, soil, aesthetics, and outdoor space.

Those who pursue tuinliefhebberij typically plan and design garden spaces, select plant species, propagate via sowing and cuttings, and manage soil through composting and mulching. They work with irrigation and water management, prune and maintain plants, and apply integrated pest and disease management. The scope spans ornamental gardens, kitchen gardens, urban balconies, and larger landscapes, with many collecting plant catalogs, seeds, and cultivar information and enjoying garden photography and visits to public or private gardens.

Social and cultural aspects include garden clubs, magazines, plant shows, seed exchanges, and educational events. The practice often emphasizes sustainability, biodiversity, and climate-appropriate planting, with growing interest in organic methods, rainwater harvesting, and native species.

Education and information sources for tuinliefhebberij are largely informal, though courses in horticulture, botany, garden design, and soil science can be useful. Resources range from books and journals to online communities and botanical gardens.