Belgium
Belgique, België
La huitième édition du “Fascination of Plants Day” (FoPD 2026) sera organisée dans le monde entier, à l’initiative de l’EPSO (European Plant Science Organisation).
De achtste editie van de “Fascination of Plants Day” 2026 (FoPD 2026) zal opnieuw getrokken worden door plantenwetenschappers van over de hele wereld, onder de paraplu van de European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
Le but de cette manifestation est de mobiliser un maximum de personnes fascinées par les plantes et porteuses du message de l’importance de la recherche en biologie végétale pour l’agriculture et la production durable de nourriture, pour l’horticulture, la foresterie, la production d’énergie, de bois, de papier, et de molécules utiles à l’industrie chimique ou pharmaceutique. Le rôle des plantes dans la conservation de l’environnement est aussi un message clé.
Het doel van dit initiatief is om wereldwijd zoveel mogelijk mensen enthousiast te maken voor plantenen plantenwetenschap in dienst van de landbouw, de duurzame productie van voedzaam voedsel, de tuinbouw, de bosbouw en de productie van plantaardige non-food-producten zoals papier, hout, chemicaliën, energie en geneesmiddelen. Ook de rol van planten bij milieubehoud willen we mee uitdragen.
Tout le monde est bienvenu pour participer !
Celebrate spring in Bokrijk! People used to live very much in tune with the seasons: spring was the time to go outside again, to sow crops, etc.
From ancient spring rituals, we inspire you on May 1st to connect with nature this spring. To live outdoors more again.
Come enjoy festive spring rituals, arboretum stories, garden dreams that will make your green thumbs tingle, a market with special flowers and plants, and activities for children.
On 9 and 10 May, you can immerse yourself in the world of Bonsai during the annual Bonsai Festival in the Japanese Garden. Admire the most beautiful Bonsai creations from Limburg, enjoy free demonstrations, and treat your taste buds to delicious Japanese snacks. This special festival is a collaboration between the Japanese Garden and the Bonsai clubs of Limburg.
What is Bonsai?
Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art form centred on cultivating miniature trees in pots. Through careful pruning, grafting, and shaping, trees are refined into true works of art. They remain small but retain all the characteristics of their full‑grown counterparts. Bonsai not only offers the artist satisfaction through creativity and dedication, but also invites the viewer to meditate and reflect deeply.
The genius of trees, the first book by British author Harriet Rix, published last summer, was named one of the best books of 2025 by the Daily Telegraph and The New Yorker.
Manipulating trees
Of course, this is not the first book about trees, Harriet Rix knew. But she wanted to look at it from a different angle and emphasise how trees shape and direct the world around them. Without trees, there would be no life on earth, that much is known. But did you know that trees can actually influence forest fires, floods and air and soil composition to secure their own future? And that they also manipulate animals and humans and use them to their advantage? Then, today and tomorrow? Harriet Rix goes all the way in her book.
She does so expertly and compellingly, mixing rather complex biological and chemical information with personal and engaging travel stories from around the world. All the way to Hemelrijk in Essen, the private domain of Robert and Jelena De Belder, the former owners and driving forces behind Arboretum Kalmthout. Harriet Rix will undoubtedly share some of these stories during her evening lecture on this International Day of Biodiversity. Not to be missed by anyone who wants to sharpen their knowledge of trees. Her book will be on sale, and she will be signing copies. The lecture will be in English.
About the author
Harriet Rix is a tree science consultant and writer. She was formerly based at the Tree Council where she supported Defra in researching tree diseases and urban tree strategies. Before joining the tree sector, she worked in landmine clearance in the Middle East. She acted as scientific advisor on Adrian Grenier’s climate documentary, was secretary of Hedgelink and is trustee of the Iraqi environmental charity Hasar.
Rix holds a biochemistry degree from the University of Oxford and an MPhil in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Cambridge. She was a London Library Emerging Writer, and her writing and photography has been published in the Financial Times, London Review of Books, Times Literary Supplement and more. The Genius of Trees is her first book.
Reserve a ticket (€10) online.
Op zondag 24 mei vieren we de Dag van de Biodiversiteit in de Plantentuin met een hele reeks activiteiten die het belang van biodiversiteit en het onderzoek ernaar extra in de verf zetten. Je kan deelnemen aan gratis rondleidingen, activiteiten voor kinderen, hands-on kunst en onderzoeksprojecten en meer.