Greening the Delfzijl dike with succulents
Starting Monday, May 22, we will be conducting a trial in collaboration with the municipality of Eemsdelta, installingsedum covering, a type of succulent plant, at three locations on the dike in Delfzijl. Part of this dike consists of a sheet pile construction lined with stones on the inside. The addition of succulents will improve biodiversity, absorb rainwater, and give the dike a natural look.
Test at three locations
To determine whether succulents can be used on a larger scale on the side of the dike, a trial is being conducted at three locations on the dike in Delfzijl. Two paved areas opposite the De Drie Delfzijlen pumping station and one location near the library. Together, these areas cover approximately 160 m².
Veenstra Roof Gardens and Vegetation Roofs B.V. will start installing the succulents on Monday, May 22.
Improving biodiversity
Sedums are succulents that are highly resistant to drought, but can also tolerate very wet periods. Using sedums in locations where there would otherwise be no vegetation improves biodiversity, absorbs rainwater, and creates a natural look. With these positive characteristics, sedum cover contributes to the objectives of the municipality and the water board to improve biodiversity and rainwater retention in urban areas.
Appropriate solution for greening the dike
The dike along the center and port area of Delfzijl, which protects the hinterland from high water from the sea, consists partly of a sheet pile construction lined with stones on the inside. Residents of Delfzijl have asked the municipality of Eemsdelta whether there are possibilities for greening the stone lining on the dike.
Because our water board owns the dike and is responsible for maintaining the stone cladding, the municipality and the water board worked together to find a suitable solution for greening the dike in the form of succulents, which are also used on the roofs of buildings.