Discover the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart

In the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart you will discover the life’s work of one of the most important garden architects of the last century. This municipal monument therefore consists of no less than 30 impressive gardens full of inspiration. Since 1976 the gardens have been maintained by the Gardens Mien Ruys Foundation. There is plenty of experimentation with garden materials and design as well as types of plants. Moreover, there is also plenty to do for children.

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25,000 m2 Gardens by Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart

The 30 style gardens are spread over an area of 25,000 m2 and are characterized by their experimental character. This makes them a source of inspiration for both craftsmen and gardeners. In addition, there is a serene tranquility where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings in silence.

Landscape architecture from 1924 to the present day

On April 12, 1904, Mien Ruys was born in Dedemsvaart as the daughter of Bonne Ruys. Her father was the director of the Koninklijke Kwekerij Moerheim. Due to her passion for the application of perennials in gardens and landscapes, Mien Ruys was put in charge of the design department of this perennial nursery at a later age. She experimented extensively with both plants and shapes in her parents’ gardens.

Planning and engineering

Because foreign architects regularly stayed at Kwekerij Moerheim, Mien Ruys’s interest in architecture was even more stimulated. She trained for this in Turnbridge Wells, England. But it didn’t stop there. In 1929 she went to Berlin to study there at the University of Garden Architecture. Here she became a real socialist through the various developments in both political and cultural fields. She also became more and more interested in planning. After she also studied architecture in Delft, she later collaborated with various architects from Amsterdam, including Gerrit Rietveld. The work of Mien Ruys was and is characterized by simplicity and clarity and this is certainly reflected in the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart.

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Planning and engineering

Because foreign architects regularly stayed at Kwekerij Moerheim, Mien Ruys’s interest in architecture was even more stimulated. She was trained for this in Turnbridge Wells, England. But it didn’t stop there. In 1929 she went to Berlin to study there at the University of Garden Architecture. Here she became a real socialist due to the various developments in both political and cultural fields. She also became increasingly interested in planning. After she also studied architecture in Delft, she later collaborated with various Amsterdam architects, including Gerrit Rietveld. The work of Mien Ruys was and is characterized by simplicity and clarity and this is certainly reflected in the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart.

‘Schuine Mien’ and ‘Bielzen Mien’

Mien Ruys was given two nicknames in her life that she owed to her pioneering role in garden design. She was nicknamed “Schuine Mien” for making optimal use of outdoor spaces. She designed planting areas, paths and terraces that were situated at an oblique angle to buildings. This created contrast.

Mien Ruys received the nickname “Bielzen Mien” for the use of railway sleepers in her garden designs. This trend was very popular throughout the Netherlands in the 1970s. She liked to work with straight shapes such as rectangles and squares.

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Children activities

For children there is a fun discovery tour through the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart, but there is much more to experience. There is also a secret grove where people can play in a real hut on stilts. Various children’s games are organized in the Knowledge House and the Tea House and afterwards the children will receive a nice surprise. In short, the Gardens of Mien Ruys offer a fantastic experience for everyone.

Dedemsvaart, Overijssel

You will find the Gardens of Mien Ruys in Dedemsvaart, in the province of Overijssel. This is about a 45-minute drive from Hotel Restaurant ten Cate. Dedemsvaart is named after Baron van Dedem. This baron had a 40 kilometer long canal dug for peat transport. In addition to a visit to the Gardens of Mien Ruys, we certainly recommend that you discover the history-rich and beautiful surroundings of Dedemsvaart.

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