167E - Summer Diary - Veere

 Once in a while I treat myself to an outing, and an outing is only successful when I see plants. A day to a fashion outlet, no thanks! Fortunately the tourist towns in my country are very aware of the need to look attractive and have a green image. Last weekend I visited Veere, in the province of Zeeland.

In Veere high street

   This beautiful tiny town is situated on the island of Walcheren, just over an hour's drive from my hometown Brielle. In theory that is. In reality it took us over two hours, because the traffic from before Zierikzee to Veere was going an endlessly slow 20km/hr. That made me miss my exit somehow, so instead of driving across Neeltje Jans (part of the Delta Works), I took the circular route via Goes/Middelburg...moan. Anyway, when we finally got there, it was lovely!

   Veere is on the Veerse Meer (= lake), but used to have an open connection to the sea, so had to be defended against attacks from across the water. Therefore it has ramparts and bastions, just like Brielle. Ramparts obviously are higher than the surrounding land, so you have a great view over the town and the watermeadows below.

The view from the ramparts

They made the wise decision not to build up their meadows with ugly new housing estates, as you can see on the photo on the right. That makes me very happy!

Old walls from the 14th century

      They also

 kept the old

 walls and you must admit: 

they are

 gorgeous.

  There was a thunderstorm, so it became quite dark, but never mind.

Town hall with thunder clouds

Veere has magnificent old buildings. The Scots woolhouses are especially beautiful. But this is a blog about plants, so I'll keep to that subject.

Erigeron! Shame about the plastic

   If you've followed my stories, you know that I am trying to grow Erigeron, 2 years of spectacular failure. They did it in Veere, as you can see below left. Unfortunately tourists will plonk their fat behinds on that bench, apparently... The solution isn't very imaginative. I would put some planters on the bench, then it would look even more pretty.

Peeked over the wall

If you get a chance, take a secret peek over the walls. This walled garden, below right, has been kept very simple, with perennials that will still have to come into bloom. But to me it is very attractive already. To the left of the garden again a very old wall, which has been there for hundreds of years, and where plants have settled on top, wonderful.

A tiny courtyard

   When you allow a rose to climb a tree, you are a friend of mine for life. When that Hibiscus starts flowering, it will be even more beautiful! Again simple, but very effective.

   In short, if you are visiting the Netherlands and you are in need for a destination, think about Veere. It is tiny, so you are able to see it in a couple of hours, but it has nice green walks along the ramparts as well, that will keep you busy for a few hours more (don't be afraid to walk amongst the sheep and cows). You can even play at being your own ferryman!

I wish you a very nice weekend.