A COLOURFUL SPRING!

We've been having some fabulous weather, but as the Dutch saying goes, 'maart roert zijn staart' ,
so you never know. However, this tree is prepared for anything! Do go and see it in the Hortus: it's the work of knitting genius Marja and approximately 120 volunteers who worked together to
create this artwork-cum-madness. and it looks absolutely stunning in real life!

A spot of nature.

Now is a great time to visit one of the area's children's farms (kainderboerderijen). There are several, including:

The Reigersbos visitor centre in Cronesteyn is also fantastic at this time of year - see their website http://www.polderparkcronesteyn.nl/ for more information. For an overview of all 'nature' outings
in Leiden, then visit this site: http://www.natuureducatie.nl/nmecentraleiden.html#kibo - it's in Dutch but easy to understand, with opening times etc.

Textile Festival in Leiden

The Textile Festival runs until Sunday: there's something for everyone, from workshops to exhibitions to an Arts and Crafts market in the Pieterskerk. See www.textielfestival.nl for details of what's on. You can see green banners all over town marking locations involved in the festival .

In the Hortus, as well as the knitted tree, there are also various other installations related to the textile Festival, including crocheting out of recycled fabrics, with free lessons in exchange for old cloth!