Hortus Haren

What you'll find here

The Hortus in Haren is a botanical garden on the Kerklaan, just south of Groningen. The garden contains dozens of themed sections, each with its own character. From a Japanese garden with clean lines and moss to lush borders full of colour. For macro photography, this is one of the richest locations in the north of the Netherlands.

There is no single photogenic view here. Instead, you get an accumulation of small worlds. Each garden offers different structures, textures and lighting conditions. That calls for a different approach in each spot, but it also gives you plenty of room to experiment.

Light and season

Spring and early summer are the strongest periods. Tulips, magnolias and early perennials are in bloom, and the light is not yet as harsh as it becomes in August. Overcast weather works well for macro here, because the light is soft and even. Hard sun creates too much contrast and burns out the detail in petals.

Early in the morning it is quiet and there is sometimes still dew on the leaves. That adds extra texture and depth to close-ups. The garden normally opens at 10:00, so you will not be the only early bird waiting to get in.

Compositions and focal lengths

For macro work here I like to use a 90mm or 105mm macro lens. That keeps you at a distance from your subject and makes it less likely you will disturb butterflies or insects. A 60mm works too, but you have to get closer, which is harder when flowers are moving in the wind.

Pay attention to the background. The themed gardens often have beautiful, deep green backgrounds that let your subject stand out. Look for backlight along the edges of paths to make flowers or grasses glow. The Japanese garden also lends itself to wider shots with a 35mm or 50mm, where symmetry and reflections in the water come into play.

Practical

Paying for entry is required, but the prices are reasonable. You can bring a tripod, though during busy periods in high season a monopod is more practical. You can park on the Kerklaan itself or nearby. The garden is easily reached by bus from Groningen Centraal.

Sources and further reading

• Hortus Haren – officiële website
• Gemeente Groningen – Hortus Haren
• Wikipedia – Hortus Haren