| Gardens in Amsterdam, can be related to | | | | beauty of the gardens along the canals as there |
| expression in abbey and monastery gardens of | | | | are around 25 gardens between Brouwersgracht |
| the Middle Ages where vegetables, fruit and herbs | | | | and the Amstel River. These gardens are open to |
| were cultivated. The layout of a medieval garden | | | | the public for the weekend during the annual Open |
| usually consisted of a square or slightly elongated | | | | Garden Days. During this event the gardens of |
| rectangle. Cloister gardens usually consisted of a | | | | private houses usually closed to the public are |
| more or less square space divided by a | | | | open for viewing. Classically designed and |
| cross-shaped path. A feature like water or a tree | | | | contemporary gardens, stately old trees and rare |
| generally marked the centre of the cross. | | | | plants lie hidden behind the 17th and 18th-century |
| Amsterdam has a wide variety of parks within | | | | merchants' houses along Amsterdam's three main |
| the city limits. The parks offer respite from the | | | | canals - the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and |
| hustle and bustle of the city and range from small | | | | Prinsengracht. |
| green areas planted with trees and flowers, to | | | | All the gardens are marked by a blue sign and are |
| large parks with amusements picnic areas, sports | | | | within walking distance of each other. Each |
| facilities, water features, hiking trails and paths for | | | | participating garden can also provide a map of the |
| cyclists. | | | | full tour. |
| While touring Amsterdam discover the hidden | | | | |