Exploring a Secret Garden in Amsterdam with my Rolleiflex
A BIKE ADVENTURE TO AMSTERDAM NOORD
This summer, visiting the Vlindertuin Mot in Mokum was on my to-do list but unexpected gloomy weather and a bad case of the 'rona postponed my plans. Finally, on the last day of June, the sun made its grand appearance, and I was ready for an adventure!
My pal Johannes and I hopped on our bikes, eager to make the most of a gorgeous Sunday outdoors. We crossed the river by ferry and made our way through charming Noorderpark before cycling further to reach our destination… a secret butterfly garden!
The Vlindertuin Mot in Mokum is a magical garden initiative in Amsterdam Noord that supports Amsterdam’s ecosystem with Dutch wildflowers and attracts a range of native butterflies. This garden also hosts events and workshops. Stepping into this flourishing green space felt like walking through a dream! The garden weaves a tapestry of vibrant blooms, and of course, I brought my Rolleiflex along to capture the scenery.
Lately, I’m having a lot of fun experimenting with double exposures — the portrait of Johannes and the shot of pink wildflowers turned out to be my favorite of the series.
Double exposures created in camera.
Wildflowers aren't just beautiful, they play an important role to support biodiversity. Wildflowers provide essential nectar and pollen for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, who float from one bloom to the next and keep our ecosystems balanced. Their effort ensures that fruits and vegetables will grow, we're helpless without them.
A thriving population of pollinators also indicates the health of our environment, signaling a well-preserved ecosystem. Spaces like Vlindertuin help protect this delicate balance in our urban landscape and are vital as Amsterdam continues to build and grow, replacing green habitats with cement and traffic.
This garden visit felt personally meaningful because over the past few years, I’ve felt like a butterfly. Tucked away safely in my chrysalis, growing and waiting for the perfect moment to emerge before I soar. This year, I’ve embraced transformation and am feeling more powerful, confident, and ready to spread my wings. In fact, I have some exciting new projects on the horizon that I can’t wait to share with y'all!
I could have spent all afternoon daydreaming and shooting film in the butterfly garden. Maybe next year I will! But the sun was blazing high in the sky, so after finishing my roll of Kodak Gold 200 film, we decided to recharge in the shade at nearby Restaurant Pof. Sipping a refreshing kombucha and munching on dips and pickled veggies hit the spot. Cycling home with a gentle breeze on my sun-kissed skin was the perfect finale to a lovely summer day.
Thanks for following along, I appreciate your words of encouragement and love to hear that my analog adventures have sparked your curiosity!
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