The theme  :  A Look at Bark

This autumn, the emphasis will be on tree bark at Aywiers Abbey. The aspect of this protective layer can vary widely according to age and species. Fine, smooth bark indicates a young tree and becomes thicker and rougher with the passage of time. Like that of a human being, a tree’s skin tells us a great deal about the tree itself and its life events. Some barks are stunningly beautiful, with decorative textures, patterns or colours, and often achieve their full beauty with time. Others look better on saplings.
First you see it. Than you can’t resist touching, having it at your fingertips. Maybe you just need to feel the tree’s texture, or maybe you secretly hope to capture some of its strength.

Events & activities

Our exhibitors invite you to all the workshops and activities they propose!
* Lectures and demonstrations are in French. Advices and tips can also be given in EN and NL 

Lecture*
​A natural kitchen garden

Stéphanie de Theux
"Why and how to create a natural kitchen garden ( permaculture)"
(Friday, 2pm)

Lecture*
A planet-friendly garden

Luc Noël - TV Gardener 
"My best tips for pesticide-free gardening"
(Saturday, 11 am)
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Stroll*
​Towards the healing of the great ash trees of Aywiers

Geert Top
"The treatment of ash disease thanks to microorganisms, minerals, ...​
(Saturday/Sunday 11am, 2 pm)"

Demonstration*
Autumn wreaths 

​Anne Alexis : "How to make attractive wreaths with plants from your garden”  (Saturday, 3pm)

Lecture*
Decorative barks

Benoît Choteau
Nurseryman and tree-shrub collector
(Sunday, 11am)

Lecture*
​Fruit trees in the garden

Olivier Debaisieux
Pépinières d’Enghien
​(Sunday, 3pm)

What shouldn't be missed

Guided tour
of the ancient Aywiers abbey

Meeting point in front of the castle
​(Saturday/Sunday 3pm)
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Stand "Coups de Coeur"
Gardening tips 

by our specialists Marie-Pascale Vasseur and Marie-Noëlle Cruysmans 
(all weekend)

Demonstration
Pruning roses

Tips and tricks by Rudy Velle
Stand Lens Roses
(Saturday/Sunday 2pm)​​

Workshops 
Organic compost

Les conseils de Marc Verhofstede
Humus Stand 
​(Friday 1pm-3pm-5pm Sat/Sun 11am-1pm-3pm-5pm)

Information
Gardening without chemicals

"Discover microorganisms for gardening without chemicals" by Geert Top
Embo Tree Stand
(all weekend)

Workshop
A home for bees

Recycling workshop: Do your own insect hotel,  
Hôtels à insectes Stand (Sat/Sun 3pm: registration required at the stand)​

Demonstration
Willow weaving ​

Creation of plant supports Ecofence Stand (Saturday/Sunday 2pm)

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For kids

Creative workshops

By « The Belgian Kids’ Fund for Pediatric Research” &  «Kids’Care The Human Touch » Contribution to the benefit of these nonprofit organizations
(Saturday/Sunday all day)

Tree climbing

Grimpe d'arbres​ ​Stand
Registration required at the stand (Saturday/Sunday all day)

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Poney-back rides

 La Ferme du Nil Stand
(Saturday/Sunday 1pm to 6pm)​​
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