Arboretum Trompenburg, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

This plaque was presented to Arboretum Trompenburg by the International Dendrology Society in honor of the arboretum’s activities related to conservation and distribution of rare and endangered plants and for the value dendrologists all over the world give to its collections. The presentation took place in 1983 in recognition of the 25^th anniversary of the Foundation Arboretum Trompenburg and its opening to the public.

Dick and Riet van Hoey Smith are close friends of ours. Whenever we visit The Netherlands, we are invited to stay at Trompenburg as their guests. The arboretum is unique in its wide variety of bridges (up to 16) that cross the many canals dissecting the property. Each bridge is different and photogenic. Many newly married couples visit the arboretum for wedding photos with the bridges serving as part of the scenery.

Trompenburg is 4 meters (12 feet) below sea level. Drainage is a constant concern and canals serve to drain the land.

The soils are also very interesting. The plants grow in soil that is only 50 cm (18 inches) deep. Beneath the soil is a layer of clay that is 30 cm (12 inches) thick overlying 50 meters (150 feet) of compressed peat. The clay layer prevents the peat from decomposing and also prevents the upward percolation of water during the summer. Consistent irrigation of flat rooted shrubs (rhododendrons) is necessary during the dry seasons even though the water table is at the top of the clay layer.

The arboretum has recently increased its acreage and must now be about 15 acres in size. It is like an oasis in the heart of Trompenburg. In fact, some of taller buildings of Rotterdam can often be seen as a backdrop to the trees of the arboretum.

When Dianne and I stay in Dick and Riet’s home, we have an excellent view of a small garden behind the house from our bedroom window. It is difficult to find a nicer setting for choice plant material.

The conifers and trees of Trompenburg are well maintained and nicely spaced. As Dick likes to say, "The axe is my paint brush." Whenever trees become too closely spaced, they are either moved or cut down to prevent an overcrowding situation that can ruin several specimens.

A tour through Trompenburg leads to the discovery of many unique and interesting plants.

Scenic views like this one across a pond are quite common.

Many pathways parallel drainage canals and provide nice views like this one of the main house.

A Metasequoia glyptostroboides shows its characteristic trunk shape.

An arch formed by a pair of conifers shows imagination.

This specimen of Cryptomeria japonica ‘Globosa Nana’ shows how a dwarf conifer can attain some size after many years.

Pinus pumila ‘Globe’ is another mature dwarf conifer that has attained some size.

Picea sitchensis ‘Strypemonde’ is an old conifer that has stayed very small. It obviously fits the miniature classification rather than the dwarf.

The original specimen of Picea omorika ‘Expansa’ sprawls over a large area of the grounds. Unfortunately, every plant ever propagated from this specimen has assumed an upright growth habit.

Larix decidua ‘Pendula’ becomes a conversation piece when it is staked to a height of about 3 meters (10 feet) and then allowed to cascade downward.

Cupressus lusitanica ‘Glauca Pendula’ is another weeping conifer with a completely different appearance from the weeping larch.

Cedrus deodara ‘Karl Fuchs’ provides a nice contrast in color with its blue foliage.

The sulphur yellow foliage of Cupressus glabra ‘Sulphurea’ gives a different contrast.

Libocedrus decurrens ‘Aureovariegata’ has its own color contrast with yellow variegated, dark, glossy green foliage.

This grouping of conifers has Pinus parviflora ‘Glauca Compacta’ as its focal point.

This conifer grouping has Pinus strobus ‘Minima’ at its center.

In addition to his world class conifer, beech, and oak collections, Dick also has an extensive collection of succulents.

Trompenburg Arboretum is a must visit for any plant lover who is in Rotterdam. I neglected to mention Dick’s work with beeches, because that is detailed in the article section of this web site. The reader can use this link to visit it. Fagus sylvatica.

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