Activities specially for Friends
9 May 2025
Lecture by Charles Dowding with discount for Friends (sold out)
This afternoon and evening, Charles Dowding will be our guest at the Gardens. This British gardener and author is known as a pioneer of the ‘no dig’ method: instead of digging the soil, you add organic material to improve soil structure. This is your chance to meet this inspiring gardener in person and learn how you can get started with this approach yourself. This event is organized by Groei & Bloei and the Botanical Gardens. Members of Groei & Bloei and Friends of the Botanic Gardens Utrecht University receive a €15 discount on the evening program.
Saturday 14 June 2025
Friends' afternoon
Annual afternoon for all our Friends, featuring a lecture and/or guided tour, followed by a closing drink. In 2025, the afternoon will focus on the Evolution Garden, which will be officially opened this month. The program will be announced later. All Friends will receive an invitation via email.
Saturday, June 14 - Sunday, June 15, 2025
Camping de Evolutie with a discount for Friends
For one time only, we are turning the Botanic Gardens into a small-scale campsite! Spend the night in your own tent at a very special location and brush your teeth with a view of Fort Hoofddijk. Want to wander through the Evolution Garden in the dark? Here’s your chance! Friends of the Botanic Gardens receive a €15 discount per person. Please note: there is a limited number of tickets, registration opens on March 10, 2025, and participation is only confirmed after registration.
Thursday August 28 2025
Guided Tour of the Old Hortus
In the afternoon, we will be guests at the Old Hortus, where we can join a guided tour at 2:00 PM. There is space for a maximum of 15 people, and pre-registration is required. Would you prefer to visit the Old Hortus at your own time? With your Friends Card from the Botanic Gardens Utrecht University, entry to the Old Hortus is free.
Friday September 19 2025
Guided Tour of the Old Hortus
In the morning, we will be guests at the Old Hortus, where we can join a guided tour at 10:00 AM. There is space for a maximum of 15 people, and pre-registration is required. Would you prefer to visit the Old Hortus at your own time? With your Friends Card from the Botanic Gardens Utrecht University, entry to the Old Hortus is free.
Monday 6 October 2025
Botanical watercolour painting for Friends (sold out)
Repeated due to success: this botanical watercolour painting workshop led by botanical artist Marloes Vreeburg. During this workshop, you will work on your own with up to 9 other students. You will go through the whole process: from choosing your plant to sketching and watercolouring. And, of course, you will be given tips and tools. Participating will cost Euro 30,-. This workshop already sold out.
Tuesday October 14 2025
Guided Tour of the Old Hortus
In the afternoon, we will be guests at the Old Hortus, where we can join a guided tour at 2:00 PM. There is space for a maximum of 15 people, and pre-registration is required. Would you prefer to visit the Old Hortus at your own time? With your Friends Card from the Botanic Gardens Utrecht University, entry to the Old Hortus is free.
Sunday 9 November 2025
Guided tour of Fort Hoofddijk
The Botanic Gardens are located on and around Fort Hoofddijk: one of the works of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie and Unesco World Heritage Site. This Sunday, there will two (short) tours of the Fort exclusively for our Friends. One tour will start at 2.00 PM and the second at 3.00 PM. Please note the tour will be in Dutch. More information and a link to apply will follow.