A Sustainable Garden in One Day

Young People from a Residential Group Surprised with a Sustainable Garden Flip

Garden Flipping powered by MBI De Steenmeesters and Lodewijk Hoekstra

Frion does amazing work for people with intellectual disabilities. They offer a wide range of services, including education, work, home support, and housing for those who cannot live independently. One of their residential groups in Zwolle, where 14 young adults live, signed up for the Garden Flipping campaign. These young people make intensive use of their garden. Unfortunately, it consisted of a concrete environment with little to no greenery. MBI De Steenmeesters is incredibly proud that a garden flip took place. Now, a green, inviting space has been created for these young people!

The first garden flip is thanks to a unique collaboration between various parties. Studio Nico Wissing designed the beautiful garden layout. The execution was made possible by our green partners: Mobilane, Lageschaar, Heicom B.V., Elho, Addez, and ZONZ Sunsails.

Origin of the Campaign

On March 21, the municipal competition "NK Tegelwippen" (National Tile Lifting Championship) kicked off. MBI supports measures that prevent water damage and provide space for more biodiversity. Removing tiles is not the ultimate solution; it’s only part of the sustainability puzzle. That’s why it’s important for consumers to become aware of the choices they make for a more sustainable garden.

MBI has set the goal of raising awareness among consumers about the importance of a sustainable garden. Fully paved gardens do not allow for water drainage and infiltration and are not ideal for heat and climate. Moreover, they provide no space for greenery. The goal of the campaign is to "flip" a paved garden into a green one, including functional paving (path, terrace, driveway). After all, a garden without paving is neither friendly nor functional. Every garden should meet MBI's mission: a beautiful, sustainable, and comfortable living environment.

Why Garden Flipping?

The weather in the Netherlands is changing. Heavy rainstorms and long periods of heat and drought follow each other. As a result, we face issues such as heat stress and flooding, partly due to the strong paving of our environment. However, paving is not the cause of climate change, but we all feel the effects of paving. Additionally, research has shown that a greener environment has a positive effect on our mental health. But a green environment must be functional and sustainable! So, it’s high time to flip more Dutch gardens!

Until October 31, MBI, together with Lodewijk Hoekstra, will flip at least 5 gardens from paved to green. These are paved backyards that will be greened in simple ways. This will be done in a manner that anyone can implement on their own and within a small budget. Together for a sustainable future!

It’s still possible to participate in the Garden Flipping campaign. Send your paved garden to tuinflippen@mbi.nl, and maybe you’ll be the next winner! For more information, visit www.tuinflippen.nl.