There’s so much you can do with greenery! We invite green experts to give workshops and lectures about city gardening, vegetable gardening, house plants, and much, much more.
Most workshops are both in English and Dutch because they can be translated on the spot. If a workshop/lecture is only in Dutch, it’s clearly stated.
Sign up quickly because full = full. Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with our workshop offerings.
Question about a workshop? Send an email to: workshops@wildernisamsterdam.nl
Kokedama with PLANTMOM: holiday edition
Thursday 12th of December – 19.15h
This workshop is in English.
Elevate your plants at home with Kokedama! Learn about the basics of bonsai and how to create string gardens at home with this ancient Japanese technique.
Kokedama is a style of Japanese bonsai, where a plant’s root system is simply wrapped in moss and bound with string, transforming it into a unique sculptural art form that can elevate your home. ‘Koke’ means moss and ‘dama’ means ball.
In this limited edition series of kokedama workshops we will be making Kokedama holidays trees! You will learn how to create your own Kokedama moss balls with holiday trees and seasonal plants to hang and elevate your indoor plants indoors or out!
When: Thursday 12th of December, doors open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Price: 38 euros, including supplies and coffee/tea.
This workshop is fully booked.
Make a natural christmas wreath
Friday 13th of December – 19.15h
Christmas wreaths make the holidays complete, and what is more fun than to make it yourself. Helder Dias Pinto will help you to make a completely natural wreath. First he learns you to build a strong base, after which you will work with different materials to make the wreath look how you want to.
The wreaths are 100% biodegradable, but you can also let it dry and keep it.
When: Friday 13 December, door open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 35 euros, all natural materials and coffee/tea included.
This workshop is fully booked.
Make your own terrarium
Wednesday 18th of December – 19.15h
This workshop is in Dutch, but parts can be translated.
Maak je eigen gesloten terrarium met terrariumspecialist Malou van Studio Wüst. Hoe werkt fotosynthese en de waterkringloop, hoe bouw je een goede bodem op en hoe verzorg je je terrarium? Alle benodigdheden voor een mooi en gezond tropisch klimaat in glas. Malou vertelt het je terwijl jij ondertussen je eigen terrarium opbouwt en beplant.
When: Wednesday 18th of December, doors open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 65 euros, terrarium glass, supplies and coffee/tea included.
This workshop is fully booked.
Make a natural christmas wreath
Thursday 19th of December – 19.15h
Christmas wreaths make the holidays complete, and what is more fun than to make it yourself. Helder Dias Pinto will help you to make a completely natural wreath. First he learns you to build a strong base, after which you will work with different materials to make the wreath look how you want to.
The wreaths are 100% biodegradable, but you can also let it dry and keep it.
When: Thursday 19 December, door open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 35 euros, all natural materials and coffee/tea included.
Make your own terrarium
Wednesday 8th of January – 19.15h
This workshop is in Dutch, but parts can be translated.
Maak je eigen gesloten terrarium met terrariumspecialist Malou van Studio Wüst. Hoe werkt fotosynthese en de waterkringloop, hoe bouw je een goede bodem op en hoe verzorg je je terrarium? Alle benodigdheden voor een mooi en gezond tropisch klimaat in glas. Malou vertelt het je terwijl jij ondertussen je eigen terrarium opbouwt en beplant.
When: Wednesday 8th of January, doors open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 65 euros, terrarium glass, supplies and coffee/tea included.
Grow and use your own herbs
Wednesday 22th of January – 19.15h
Cityplot presents a workshop on how to grow and use your herbs at home. We will cover how to plant, care, propagate and use common herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. We will focus on five common herbs:
– Rosemary
– Lavender
– Parsley
– Mint
– Thyme
The workshop includes an activity for making lavender massage oil and another activity related to growing your own herbs. The workshop will be held by Cato, nature educator and food grower, and Fatema, an environmentalist and founder of NatureCentric.
When: Wednesday 22th of January, doors open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 30 euros, coffee/tea included.
Make your own terrarium
Wednesday 12th of February – 19.15h
This workshop is in Dutch, but parts can be translated.
Maak je eigen gesloten terrarium met terrariumspecialist Malou van Studio Wüst. Hoe werkt fotosynthese en de waterkringloop, hoe bouw je een goede bodem op en hoe verzorg je je terrarium? Alle benodigdheden voor een mooi en gezond tropisch klimaat in glas. Malou vertelt het je terwijl jij ondertussen je eigen terrarium opbouwt en beplant.
When: Wednesday 12th of February, doors open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 65 euros, terrarium glass, supplies and coffee/tea included.
Make your own macramé plant hanger
Thursday 20th of February – 19.15h
This workshop is in English.
In this workshop, given by Lucile Cabout of Studio EKRU, you will discover the relaxing technique of macramé, the art of tying cord into knots in such a way that creates useful and decorative shapes. You will learn the basics and apply your new skills to create a modern planthanger that will bring life to a corner of your home. Once you’ve mastered the knots, there is no limit to the masterpieces you can create!
Suitable for all levels.
When: Thursday 20th of February, door open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Price: 45 euros, including supplies (rope, beads, hanging ring & instructional booklet) and coffee/tea.
Stadstuinieren, iedereen kan het
Wednesday 18th of March – 19.15h
This workshop is in Dutch.
Vaste planten, eenjarigen, klimmers, bollen, heesters. Pfff.. Met groen kan zoveel, je ziet door de planten het bos niet meer. Diana van De Tuinvrouwen geeft advies over de beplanting en over het onderhoud van je groene buitenruimte. Ja, ook op je balkon/dakterras/
When: Wednesday 18th of March, door open 19.15, start 19.30 in Wildernis.
Costs: 25 euro, including coffee/tea.
Past workshops:
Make your own macramé plant hanger
This workshop is in English.
In this workshop, given by Lucile Cabout of Studio EKRU, you will discover the relaxing technique of macramé, the art of tying cord into knots in such a way that creates useful and decorative shapes. You will learn the basics and apply your new skills to create a modern planthanger that will bring life to a corner of your home. Once you’ve mastered the knots, there is no limit to the masterpieces you can create!
Suitable for all levels.
Price: 45 euros, including supplies (rope, beads, hanging ring & instructional booklet) and coffee/tea.
How to grow and use your own herbs
This workshop is in English.
Have you ever wanted to grow herbs at home? Do you want to enjoy herbs all year long? This summer CityPlot is offering a new workshop on how to grow and use your herbs at home. In this workshop you will learn how to plant, care, propagate and use common herbs for culinary and medicinal purposes. We will focus on 5 common herbs. The workshop includes an activity for making lavender massage oil and propagating rosemary.
This workshop will be offered by Monai N. McCullough , a plant care expert from New York City and founder of Plant Mom along with Fatema Baheranwala, an environmentalist and founder of NatureCentric.
Price: 30 euros, including coffee/tea.
Make your own plant prints with watercolour
Flowers and plants inspire many artists and illustrators, including illustrator Valesca van Waveren. Under the guidance of Valesca you make some plant prints using the watercolour technique. The prettiest one will be framed for you to take home. Be inspired by all the green in Wildernis. All materials used during the course are provided (frame, watercolours, masking fluid, brushes and paper).
Costs: 50 euro, including all materials and a framed print to take home, and coffee/tea.
This workshop is fully booked.
Out of the Pot! Plant Mounting with PLANTMOM
This workshop is in English.
Bored with your traditional plant-in-a-pot setting? Running out of floor space? Join us in experimenting with ‘mounted plants’ and design your own mounted plant creation.
In this workshop Monai of PLANTMOM will learn you about different root systems, and ‘epiphytes,’ or “plants without roots” – how they grow, where they are native to, and how to create living home decorations that can adapt to any space. Join this workshop and create your own mounted plant and learn about its care.
Price: 35 euros, including supplies and coffee/tea.
Stekjesworkshop door Mama Botanica
This workshop is in Dutch.
Leer alles over het stekken van je kamerplanten en krijg een verzameling stekjes mee naar huis om je plantenverzameling mee uit te breiden. We gaan aan de slag met plantjes, schaartjes, stokjes, potjes en verse potgrond om je kennis van het stekken flink uit te breiden! Tijdens deze workshop zullen we een heel aantal verschillende planten gaan stekken zoals onder andere de stippenplant, het erwtenplantje en de watermeloen peperomia.
Kosten: 35 euro, inclusief koffie/thee, een verzameling stekjes, antwoord op al je vragen en veel nieuwe plantenkennis.
Make your own plant hanger
Sunday 22th of September, two time slots
Note: this workshop isn’t in Wildernis, but in the Monsak Atelier in de Orteliusstraat 15d!
In this workshop by Monsak, you will make your own plant hanger of leather and hemp rope. We use remains of leather to give it a nice new purpose in the form of a hanger. Together we will make this to an success, so you go home with a self made accessory. No experience needed!
Costs: 27 euros, materials (hemp rope, leather and wooden ring) included.
Make your own plant prints with watercolour
Flowers and plants inspire many artists and illustrators, including illustrator Valesca van Waveren. Under the guidance of Valesca you make some plant prints using the watercolour technique. The prettiest one will be framed for you to take home. Be inspired by all the green in Wildernis. All materials used during the course are provided (frame, watercolours, masking fluid, brushes and paper).
Costs: 50 euro, including all materials and a framed print to take home, and coffee/tea.
Stadstuinieren, iedereen kan het
This workshop is in Dutch.
Vaste planten, eenjarigen, klimmers, bollen, heesters. Pfff.. Met groen kan zoveel, je ziet door de planten het bos niet meer. Diana en Menke van De Tuinvrouwen nemen de mogelijkheden met je door en geven je een basis waar je iets mee kan. Ja, ook op je balkon/dakterras/
Costs: 25 euro, including coffee/tea.
Zo houd je je planten in leven
This workshop is in Dutch.
Wil jij ook Super Groene Vingers? Tijdens deze workshop leer je hoe je je planten gelukkig houdt en hoe je je eigen urban jungle kan laten groeien. Wildernis collega en plantenkenner Iris – Mama Botanica – leert je de basics van plantenverzorging en geeft je haar persoonlijke tips & tricks. Tijdens de workshop is er voldoende ruimte om vragen te stellen. Na afloop krijg je ook een handig e-book – voor als je het allemaal even niet meer weet.
Kosten: 25 euro, inclusief e-book en koffie/thee.
Make your own seedbombs
Yes, we’re going to bomb! This Saturday morning you can make free “seed bombs” at Wildernis from 11.00 till 12.00! A whole hour, so you can come and sit down anytime during this hour.. With these organic seed bombs you’ll quickly transform empty spots (or blast your backyard) into a small pollinators’ paradise for butterflies and bees. Wildernis colleague Sarah explains how to make your own ammunition. Everyone gets to make 4 bombs, and you’ll take them “home” in an egg carton ..
Participation free of charge
Creating an edible urban garden
This workshop is in english.
Did the gardener’s seed in you wake up? Are you dreaming to grow and harvest food this year? Join Cityplot for this fun and hands-on workshop on how to grow your own edible, urban garden in small spaces like balconies, window sills, allotments or roof terraces. Through this introduction workshop you will get an overview of the herbs, vegetables, edible flowers and small fruit suitable for your growing area and that can provide you with yummy and healthy food!
Suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Costs: 25 euro, including coffee/tea.
Illustrate your own little houseplant book with watercolor
Flowers and plants inspire many artists and illustrators, including illustrator Valesca van Waveren. Under the guidance of Valesca you start a series of illustrations using watercolor, forming a great basis for your own houseplant booklet, where ou can note information and tips about room plants. A kind of herbarium, but different! Be inspired by all the green in Wilderniss. All materials used during the course are provided (watercolors, brushes and sketchbook) and you’ll go home with a nice booklet to be able to expand on.
Wildplukken, wat kan je ermee?
Tijdens deze workshop behandelt Leoniek Bontje, auteur van het boek ‘Wildplukken’, ruim 10 wildplukgewassen. We gaan dus niet de stad in om te wildplukken, maar Leoniek neemt ze mee. Ze legt uit en laat zien welke wilde planten je kunt plukken, en wat je ermee kan doen. Ook wordt er geproefd, gevoeld, geroken en alles verteld over de voedingswaarden en medicinale werking van de gewassen.
Wist je bijvoorbeeld dat veel voorkomende Nederlandse gewassen echte superfoods zijn, zoals bijvoorbeeld brandnetel, dovenetel, zevenblad, hondsdraf en daslook. Samen maken we een infusion (aftreksel) en een kruidenboter of pesto om ter plekke te proeven. Ook laat Leoniek zien hoe je zelf een tinctuur (medicijn) maakt. Tijdens en na de workshop is er gelegenheid tot vragen stellen.
Kosten: 25 euro, inclusief koffie/thee.
Nachtvlinderexpeditie met Mot in Mokum
This workshop is in Dutch.
Let op: deze workshop is niet in Wildernis, maar in de vlindertuin Mot in Mokum op de Meteorenweg 280 in Amsterdam.
Deze keer een cursus als geen ander: de vlindertuin Mot in Mokum organiseert een heuse nachtvlinderexpeditie! Hier leer je alles over vlinders en nachtvlinders, hoe ze leven en wat wij zelf voor ze kunnen doen in de stad. En daar stopt het niet. Tegen het vallen van de avond zetten we de nachtvlinderopstelling op,
en gaan we kijken wat we kunnen spotten! Neem je tent en slaapzak mee, want je blijft gewoon lekker slapen in de vlindertuin. Meld je het liefste aan met een tent-buddy, zodat iedereen een plekje kan krijgen.
Het wordt een gezellige leerzame avond waarin je veel leert over vlinders en bovendien het gevoel krijgt even uit de drukke stad te zijn. De plaatselijke duurzame ondernemers van stadslandbouwproject Noordoogst voorzien ons in hapjes en drankjes.
Kosten: 30 euro, inclusief overnachting, hapjes & drankjes, en een zakje zaadjes voor mee naar huis.
‘Beasts in Amsterdam’ (in Dutch)
Sorry, this lecture is in Dutch.
Er zijn meer dieren in Amsterdam dan je denkt! Als je eenmaal weet op welke plekken je moet zoeken en waar je op moet letten, ontdek je een ongekend dierenuniversum. In deze lezing komt stadsecologe Anneke Blokker daar kleurig over vertellen..
Vind je een drol met bovenop een soort schroefvorm? Dan is er beslist een vos langs geweest. Is Rokjesdag in aantocht? Dan kun je er zeker van zijn dat de ringslang uit zijn winterschuilplaats tevoorschijn komt. En als dan die zonnige dagen aanbreken, kun je vaak ook de roodwangschildpad zien zonnebaden op een boomstam in het water. Je hoeft dus niet ver te reizen om op safari te gaan. Wist je bijvoorbeeld dat de Amsterdamse slechtvalk wel 340 km/u kan halen en daarmee het snelste dier ter aarde is!
Stadsecologe Anneke Blokker schreef samen met haar collega’s Geert Timmermans, Remco Daalder en Auke Brouwer het boek Amsterdamse beesten.
Kosten: 10 euro, inclusief koffie/thee.
Natural Dyeing
Discover the colors inside the most powerful flowers. In this workshop you will learn from Elin de Jong how you can color textiles with natural extracts. Using traditional techniques demonstrated by Elin you’ll change a piece of organic silk into a beautiful patterned scarf with vibrant shades and shadows. In addition to dyeing, you learn about the healing effects of the flowers used.
Theme terrarium workshop:
Central America
This workshop is in Dutch, but parts can be translated in English.
A jungle or mountain landscape in your home? Create your own closed terrarium with terrarium specialist Malou from Studio Wüst. In these theme workshops you learn step by step how to create the flora of specific biotopes in a closed terrarium. This time we will build and plant an ecosystem inspired by the nature of Central America. Experienced or not experienced in making terrariums, everyone is welcome to participate.
Costs: 65 euros, including materials (terrarium + content) and coffee/tea.
Batwalk
This workshop is in Dutch.
Wist je dat er in Amsterdam wel 8 verschillende soorten vleermuizen leven? Sluit aan bij stadsecoloog en Wildernis collega Koen Wonders van Natuurbureau Wonders, tijdens een vleermuiswandeling met Wildernis als startpunt. Samen met Koen gaan we op zoek naar zo veel mogelijk soorten vleermuizen met behulp van een ‘batdetector’. Dit apparaatje zet het ultrasone echolocatiegeluid van de vleermuizen om in een hoorbaar signaal. Koen zal vol aanstekelijk enthousiasme vertellen over vleermuizen en hun rol in de stadse natuur. Zo zijn veel soorten voor hun verblijfplaatsen afhankelijk van gebouwen en herbergen veel huizen vleermuizen zonder dat de menselijke bewoners het weten.
How to keep your plants alive (English spoken)
Do you dream of an urban jungle in your house, but you don’t know where to start? During this English spoken workshop you’ll learn how to take care of your plants. Iris – Mama Botanica – will teach you what makes your plants happy. There will be time to ask questions and discuss your urgent plant problems. After the workshop you get a handy e-book, just in case you need to have another peak.
Grow your own micro-vegetables
Everyone can grow sprouts and micro vegetables! You do not need green fingers or even a garden or balcony. It can be done in any house, even in winter. Especially in the coldest months it has many advantages, when there are few local, fresh vegetables. Young plants and sprouted seeds are full of nutrients and give your body a much needed boost.
Annelies and Ann are green-finger professionals from Cityplot. They teach you how easy, tasty and healthy it is to grow your own micro-vegetables. You’ll go home with everything you need to start a miniature garden.
Create a Macramé wall hanger with Emily Katz
Emily Katz is ‘queen’ of the macrame and an Instagram phenomenon. Emily travels the world to teach as many people as possible about this knotting art. Her goal is to not only share her love for this craft, but also to inspire people to be creative.
Emily was named in the LA Times, London Daily Mail, Buzzfeed, Nylon Magazine, Ku: nel Magazine, Popeye Magazine, Elle Japan, Elle NL and Elle France to name a few. The macrame workshop with Emily at Wildernis is a great opportunity!
Composting in the city.
By composting at home, you reduce your waste flow, and can produce compost of the best quality with which to pamper your plants. Ireen Laarakker from Balkonton.nl joins us and explains how city composting works, using a wormerbak (see picture), Perfect for people with limited space, or even without a garden, the worm method does not stink, is small, and works indoors. Do you want to know how simple it is and whether composting is something for you? Come to listen or ask questions.
‘Roof gardening’ by Rooflife
Gardening on a roof is profession in and of itself. You’ll have to take into account strong winds, hours of burning sun and you have real soil to work with. So you’ll have to adjust your layout, structure and plant choice accordingly.
The professionals at Rooflife will explain the basics of a rooftop garden during this workshop: how do you ensure you’ll be able to enjoy your piece of green pie in the sky?
‘Shadow gardening’ by Toos Tuin
Do you have a balcony, roof terrace or city garden with little or no sun? Do you think that little can grow or even flourish there? Well be ready to be surprised! With the right knowledge you can turn that shady spot into a green paradise. In this workshop, gardener Toos Tuin teaches you how to make your dark outdoor space into a real fine green place. You’ll learn about different types of shade, plant choice, pests, how to make a planting schedule and much more.
‘Which plants where?’ – How to plant your urban garden by Tjalf Vermij
Perennials, annuals, climbers, bulbs, shrubs .. The planting of a (façade) garden (tje) has so many possibilities, you can not see the forest ’cause of the flowers. City gardener Tjalf Vermij will explore the possibilities with you and give you a basis to build upon. Which plants are evergreen? Shadow friendly? Or “hufterproof”? You can, of course, ask all your questions. And you’ll go home with a plenty of idead and inspiration for your own piece of urban greenery.
‘Design a small edible garden or balcony with perennials’ by Madelon Oostwoud
In this workshop you will design a layout for your garden or balcony using edible plants, herbs, fruit and vegetables. You do this based on the size, location (how much sunlight?) and your plant preference – and with an eye on what to harvest later.
The unique thing about this workshop is that you’ll only work with perennials – you do not grow vegetables.
Afterwards you’ll have an efficient and practical garden or balcony design and plant list, and a wealth of useful information and tips.
The book ‘A small edible garden with perennials’ (see photo on the left) is included in the workshop price.
The unique thing about this workshop is that you’ll only work with perennials – you do not grow vegetables.
Afterwards you’ll have an efficient and practical garden or balcony design and plant list, and a wealth of useful information and tips.
The book ‘A small edible garden with perennials’ (see photo on the left) is included in the workshop price.
‘Ikebana flower arrangement’ by Bloemen van Haas
Simplicity, balance and lines. Three important things when making an Ikebana. Ikebana means ‘living flowers’. Hanna and Sara (Bloemen van HAAS) became fascinated by this special floral art, and want to introduce you to their new passion.
Using various composition techniques you will make your own Ikebana during this workshop – while enjoying a refreshing spring lemonade and a snack.
In a bowl with a Kenzan (Japanese pin cushion) you learn to get flowers in balance and arrange them in line shapes. The flowers of the season, in beautiful spring colors, play an important role in making this Ikebana.