Landscapes to inspire. A bird’s lake in the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland

Just imagine the mesmerizing scenery of a silver lake surrounded by purple mist  somewhere in the middle of the sandy dunes. Marshmallow clouds move slowly in the sky. Group of the birds take a bath in the sparkling lake, catching the last warm sun rays of the day.  And then the sun goes down. It was the most spectacular sunset of the month.

Vogelmeer or Bird’s lake is a special treasure among the various dune’s landscapes. Here you could watch many species of wild birds,  wild horses, deers and highland cattles without disturbing them in their natural environment. Special wooden shelters were built at the bank of the lake to observe wildlife.

Magnificent purple colored plant that created this mysterious mist around the lake is a purple loosestrife or Lythrum virgatum, Roedekattenstaart (in Dutch).  The flowering period lasts not that long from June to August, so it transforms the lake into something fantastic and  it has left an indelible impression on me. Actually you could use this plant as a border plant in your garden as they grow almost anywhere - wet to dry - as long as there is  a sun. Would be just perfect for enchanting water gardens. Be careful these plants attract bees.