Local Couple Turns Barren Patio into Lush Garden with Subsidy
Ravenswaaij, Tuesday, 21 October 2025.
Marlies and Jeroen, from Ravenswaaij, transformed their patio into a green oasis using a municipal subsidy, enhancing their environment and contributing to urban biodiversity efforts.
Subsidy-Driven Transformation
Marlies and Jeroen, residents of Ravenswaaij, embarked on an eco-friendly journey with the support of a municipal subsidy offered by the Municipality of Buren. This initiative is part of a climate subsidy program designed to encourage urban residents to replace concrete surfaces with greenery, thereby mitigating urban heat and enhancing biodiversity. The couple, who moved into their home a year and a half ago, transformed their patio into a vibrant garden by sowing grass and planting various flora, some of which were reused from Marlies’ mother’s garden [1].
Community and Environmental Impact
This green initiative not only beautifies their surroundings but also provides a habitat for butterflies and bees, supporting local biodiversity. The couple’s efforts reflect a broader movement within the community to engage in sustainable practices that are supported by local government incentives. The subsidy program allows residents to retroactively apply for financial assistance to cover costs associated with transforming their gardens, which Marlies and Jeroen have done to further enhance their property with a sedum roof and a rainwater barrel [1][2].
Future Plans and Broader Implications
Looking ahead, Marlies and Jeroen plan to establish a vegetable garden to cultivate organic produce for their family. This step aligns with their ongoing commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. Their story highlights the potential for small-scale individual actions to contribute significantly to broader environmental goals. The municipality’s subsidy program, available until 29 October 2025, exemplifies how local governments can effectively promote climate adaptation and resilient urban ecosystems [1][3].
Encouragement and Advice
Marlies offers a piece of advice to others considering similar projects: “Just start! It doesn’t have to be perfect. If you do it yourself, you’ll enjoy it more, and you don’t have to do everything at once. Step by step, it gets greener.” This pragmatic approach underscores the accessibility of sustainable practices and the role of individual initiative in fostering environmental change [1].