Holiday displays hold deeper meaning for Wassenaar man

Rock bottom is a hard place to be, something Rob Lutgert, Jr. knows all too well. But it was the helping hands of his neighbors during this difficult time in his life over 10 years ago that lifted him up and helped foster the deep sense of community he feels today. He credits their sharing of food, stories, and brotherhood with teaching him to do the same, giving and sharing wherever he can. One of his more notable current acts of charity can be found in his garden.

By Megan Walch

When Rob moved to his current home in Wassenaar almost 3 years ago, the front garden was dead and gray. Since then, it has been transformed into a wonderland that benefits all who pass by. The holiday and seasonal displays in front of his house have become something families in the Dorp neighborhood look forward to and go out of their way to see. In winter, it’s a holiday display with a bar and gluhwein, in spring, tulips and other flowers abound, summer brings tiki torches and a cocktail bar, and for the fall, an elaborate Halloween display.

Rob estimates he spends 50-60 hours over the course of a month preparing and planning the displays, but continues to work on them even after they’re up, making additions and changes. Most of his time is spent on the planning and building, which he works on each evening in his home. The displays usually take 2 to 3 hours to actually put up, done under the cover of night. That’s because Rob’s favorite part is seeing the delight and surprise on people’s faces when the displays suddenly show up from one day to the next. He especially enjoys seeing the wonder and excitement of the neighborhood children who stop by to admire his work. Some of the neighborhood residents have even started participating and adding decorations themselves, dropping off items for him to include.

Not only do these displays provide a lift on a cold, rainy day, they also use sustainable and reuseable materials. When Rob started his company, Lutgert Landscaping, he did it with the purpose of helping people reimagine and green their outdoor spaces to be more usable while still being harmonious with nature, and while using the resources they already have. He has made tree houses from old fences and furniture from old pallets. He breaks down the items to their basic resource and then rebuilds it all into something else. He says his hope is that people will use their gardens more as an extension of their home and “make the most of their piece of earth.”

He builds his displays the same way and says he wants to show how easy it is to make something useful and beautiful out of what is usually considered rubbish. He has used his talents to teach others as well, helping refugees and those with disabilities learn the landscaping trade and also to create and sell art out of items that would otherwise be thrown away. His ideal neighborhood is one where everyone is taken care of, because everyone looks after themselves and also looks out for each other.

When asked what people can do to foster a better sense of community in their own neighborhoods, Rob says, “Check on your neighbors.” It’s advice he takes seriously to heart and practices himself. Rob has become something of the go-to man in his neighborhood. He has made it his mission to care for his neighbors, especially those who are older. He is often the first person they call when they need help and Rob wouldn’t have it any other way. He created a WhatsApp group with his neighbors so when there are safety issues or help needed, those who have mobility issues can easily call upon Rob and other younger neighbors for assistance.

His next project, currently in development, is designing a way to easily bring landscaping and gardening services to those with disabilities and low incomes. He is also working with his neighbors to re-green their area, creating an oasis for neighbors to gather. He says his motivation for his projects comes from his young children, “I want my kids to be proud of their home and garden.” Rob also lets his children help, allowing them to assist in the planting of flowers, teaching them how easy it is to bring a bit of cheer to others.

When asked about the expense of putting up the displays and helping others, Rob says, “Money is a useful tool, but ultimately meaningless. What’s important is to connect with people.” Rob’s displays do more than offer a bit of joy and magic to the neighborhood and those passing by. They also serve as an invitation to stop, talk, and connect. And Rob will happily be there to join you for a chat, a drink, or if you need a helping hand. “After all,” says Rob, “that’s what neighbors do.”