At the risk of getting labeled an old man, I want to tell you how much I like open garden day(s) in Amsterdam.

Once a year, for a nominal fee, many of the cities best gardens are opened to the public. Backyards, courtyards, alleyways, rooftops, and floating earth... all available to be experienced on these special days.

Years ago I was wondering back through the Pijp on the way home from the Albert Cuyp Market when I noticed the signs for Open Garden Day. I stuck my nose into someone's house and was immediately invited into the yard but a soft spoken British gentleman. I sat down in his garden and stared up at the canopy of beautiful trees high above my head. "Do you have a garden?" he asked. "I do" I told him, "a small one." -"It is important to just plant" he insisted, "wherever you live, whatever kind of apartment or house, just start putting plants around your home, it makes everything more beautiful."

Well this year you too can enjoy Open Garden Day(s), June 15, 16, and 17, between 10am and 5pm. Tickets can be bought via the VVV.