Tiles, tiles and more tiles. In short, that is the garden of Ferry Snepvangers from Breda. “The only greenery I have is weeds,” Ferry laughs.
Don’t get Ferry wrong: he loves greenery. “But I don’t have the money for it.” The single father would rather spend his money on his daughter than on roses and hydrangeas.
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New construction
There is a good chance that Ferry will soon receive a visit from the municipality of Breda. By 2030, Breda wants to be the first in Europe to be known ‘as a city in a park’. And for alderman Ferry de Beer (D66) it is serious: he has launched all kinds of projects to get more greenery in his municipality.
“One of my proposals is that we also ring the doorbell of people who have too many tiles in their garden. We start with new houses, but residents of existing homes can also expect a visit.” The City Council has yet to vote on this.
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Via aerial photos, the municipality of Breda can see exactly which neighborhoods have too much gray (and therefore too little greenery). Why more green is so important? “Because this can prevent situations such as flooding in Limburg. More greenery ensures better water drainage. We are all shocked by the situation in Limburg and we do not want the Singel in Breda to overflow.”
Varying reactions
Ferry is double in it. He can understand the action on the one hand. “Of course I am also in favor of more greenery and good water drainage.” But: “I’m really going to look after the layout of my backyard myself. And if the municipality of Breda likes to get involved in that, they should pay a fee for it.”
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Alderman De Beer points out that there is a ton of subsidy available for people who want to make their gardens greener. “The pot is now empty because of the great success. We will therefore quickly double the amount to 200,000 euros.”
Tegeltax
According to De Beer, it is now time for action. “We have to do it together.” Although he has not yet convinced all his inhabitants: on social media the action is also fodder for jokes. “Maybe we should introduce a tile tax,” jokes one Paul.
Ferry believes that the municipality itself should also set a good example. “Breda is not exactly overflowing with greenery. I come from Roosendaal myself and see many more beds and planters there.”
And what about Alderman De Beer’s own garden? “I meet the green standards more than average,” he reassures.
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Tiles and flooding
Almost half of all Dutch gardens are covered with paving stones. And that causes major problems with flooding, especially now that there is more rain due to climate change. If you have a lot of rock, the water cannot drain into the soil. Lots of greenery in your garden ensures that the soil can hold water well.
Water envoy Henk Ovik previously called on RTL Nieuws to make gardens ‘rainproof’. By choosing grass or plants instead of tiles. “If every family would tackle their garden, it would have a huge impact. Don’t think that your garden can’t make the difference,” says Ovink.
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