Boskoop

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Boskoop

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flag_size = 120x100px
image_shield = Coat of arms of Boskoop.pngshield_size = 120x100px


mapsize = 280px
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Netherlands
subdivision_type1 = Province
subdivision_name1 = South Holland
area_footnotes = (2006)
area_total_km2 = 16.96
area_land_km2 = 14.79
area_water_km2 = 2.17
population_as_of = 1 January, 2007
population_note = Source: CBS, [http://statline.cbs.nl/ Statline] .
settlement_type = Municipality
population_total = 15213
population_density_km2 = 1029
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd = 52.07
latNS = N
longd = 4.40
longEW = E
website = [http://www.boskoop.nl www.boskoop.nl] . The municipality covers an area of 16.96 km² (6.55 mile²) of which 2.17 km² (0.84 mile²) is water.

Boskoop is famous for its nurseries, particularly woody plant and perennial nurseries, of which some 774 are situated on long stretches of land, divided by narrow canals. Before world war two almost all transport was conducted using narrow boats. A few exceptionally high footbridges crossing some of the broader (main) canals remain from these days. Between the World Wars the transition was made from fruit culture to decorative garden plants and trees. As a source of technical knowledge about the art of growing decorative plants, Boskoop remains world renowned and unique.

The name "Boskoop" has been given to an apple cultivar (Belle de Boskoop) which is widely distributed in the Low Countries, and to a grape variety (Boskoop Glory).

Geography

Boskoop is located in the Green Heart of the Randstad, spanning both sides of the river Gouwe between Alphen aan den Rijn (to the north) and Waddinxveen (to the south), both also along the river. The municipality is bordered in the east by Reeuwijk and Bodegraven, and in the west by Rijnwoude. A vertical lift bridge in the centre of the village connects both shores of the Gouwe.

History

It is assumed that Boskoop originated from the settlement "Ten Bussche", founded by William I, Count of Holland, in 1204. In 1222, the Abbey of Rijnsburg became owner of Boskoop. The Abbey decided to enlarge its tree and shrub inventory by making the farmers grow more trees than they would need for their own orchards. From the 15th to the 17th century more and more trees were produced and decorative plants were introduced. At the end of the 19th century, Boskoop began with the export of its products, Germany being its first client.

The history of Boskoop was greatly influenced by its location on top of a thick peat layer. When the Abbey of Rijnsburg became owners of Boskoop, the harvesting of peat for fuel began. But unlike other towns in the "Green Heart" where extensive peat harvesting led to the formation of large ponds and lakes, Boskoop was too far from the major cities and peat harvesting was not profitable. Also the abbey did not permit the excavation of the peat layer on its lands. So Boskoop still has fertile soil for agriculture and horticulture.

An obstacle to the arboriculture was the high groundwater level, which was just below the surface at Boskoop. Many canals and ditches were dug to drain the rain waters, up to 2000 km at one point in its history. Consequently much transportation was done by means of these waterways. By introducing new drainage methods which lowered the groundwater level, many ditches could be filled again. Yet at the beginning of the 21st century, there are still many canals in Boskoop on which many nurseries rely for transportation. As a result, Boskoop is sometimes called "Small Giethoorn". Nowadays, most plants are grown directly in pots, as opposed to open ground, and shipped to auction directly from the nursery.

Boskoop has been in financial straits for the last several years, in part because of the high cost of maintaining the constantly sinking roads. The possibility of merging with another municipality is being considered. The viability of the nursery industry in Boskoop is also at risk, as nursery production has switched to container production, as opposed to field growing. The small size of the nurseries, the inability to mechinize, government regulations, the high cost of land, and the high cost of labor have all increased the economic pressure on the Boskoop nursery industry.

Attractions

The vertical lift bridge at Boskoop is one of three similar bridges over the Gouwe, the other two are in Alphen aan den Rijn and Waddinxveen. Because of its central location, the bridge characterizes the village skyline. A new bicycle path was added to the bridge during its renovation at the beginning of the 1990s.

Another historic building is the (now partially dismantled) Water Tower of Boskoop. It is located on the north-east side of the village on the same road crossing the lift bridge.

Near the train station is an extensive rose garden (rosarium), with free access and open the whole year. More than 160 types of roses are exhibited here together with numerous other shrubs, trees, and plants.

In view of its history, it is not surprising Boskoop has a nursery museum. It is located in an old nursery residence from 1870. Behind the museum is another rose garden with rose varieties from the 17th to the 20th century.

From spring to fall, boat tours are organized through the many canals of Boskoop, which tour along the nurseries and nature areas and provide information about the history and surroundings of Boskoop. And once per year, a nursery canoe tour is organized.

Politics

Mayor:

Mr. J. (Coos) Rijsdijk (Labour).

Aldermen and Town Council as of March 2006.

Aldermen:

Mr. J.A. (Han) de Jager (Christian Democrats).

Ms. A.C. (Corrie) Oosterwijk (Labour).

Mr. J.G. (Gertjan) Schotanus (Christian Union).

Town Council

"Christian Democrats:"

Mr. H. (Herman) Brouwer.

Mr. C.J. (Kees) Stolker.

Mr. W.J.C. (Wim) van der Hoek.

Mr. H. (Harm-Jan) Langelaar.

Mr. H.A.G. (Herman) Henkemans.

"Liberals:"

Mr. G.J. (Gert) Dazler.

Mr. M.E.P. (Marcel) Keulen.

Mr. R.C. (Robbert) Prins.

"Labour:"

Mr. E. (Ernst-Jan) Straver.

Mr. H.R. (Henk) Stellaart.

Mr. G.J. (Guus) te Wechel.

"Christian Union / Reformed Party"

Mr. S. (Siem) Bak.

Mr. H. (Henry) Slinger.

Mr. A.L. (Ton) van Nimwegen.

"Greens"

Mr. W. (Wout) Wegerif.

Ms. M.J. (Marijke) Kottenhagen.

"Democrats 66"

Ms. Th. J (Thea) de Langen.

External links

* [http://www.boskoop.nl Official Website]
* [http://www.boskoop.tv/ info Boskoop NL]
* [http://www.plattegronden.nl/gemeenteboskoop/ Plattegrond]