De Tuinen van Weldadigheid is a unique farm and garden complex located in the historic village of Veenhuizen. It integrates three core activities: an extensive biological nursery, a care farm, and a center for recreation and education.
The farm is home to the largest collection of edible crops in the Netherlands, specializing in the preservation of rare and old varieties. Its diverse cultivation includes over 130 potato varieties, more than 90 types of garlic, and over 500 varieties of legumes, such as the Drentse Kievitsboon. Visitors can also find a wide range of special, forgotten, historical, and exotic vegetables, like Italian palm cabbage, Korean and Tibetan cucumber, Andean tubers, New Zealand spinach, and pumpkins, alongside various herbs, fruits from orchards, rhubarb, Jerusalem artichokes, yakon, sweet potatoes, and wild plants. While many of these are cultivated for conservation and research, the farm offers certified organic seeds and planting material for sale through its webshop. An on-site shop also provides fresh produce and homemade delicacies such as juices, syrups, jams, and a renowned garlic scape tapenade.
For those interested in hands-on experience, a flower picking garden is available on the premises.
As a care farm, De Tuinen van Weldadigheid provides meaningful day activities and reintegration opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those facing psychiatric challenges like anxiety, depression, burnout, and autism. The focus is on personal development, skill-building, and fostering self-confidence within a supportive environment.
The complex also serves as a hub for recreation and education. Visitors can explore the expansive gardens at their own pace during summer weekends, typically from May to August. Throughout the year, the farm hosts special events such as an annual Edible Plants Market and occasional Garlic and Potato Days. Educational offerings include guided tours for groups, lectures on topics like forgotten vegetables and climate-resilient gardening, and biological kitchen gardening courses.
For those seeking a longer stay, a charming and simple summer house, a monumental former bakehouse, is available for rent from May to September. This accommodation, suitable for up to two people, offers access to the gardens and shared kitchen, shower, and toilet facilities in the main building.
The gardens and on-site shop are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM during the summer season, with an entrance fee of €4. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and efforts have been made to ensure partial accessibility for wheelchair users.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely celebrated for its picturesque and serene setting in Veenhuizen, with many visitors highlighting the beauty and extensive nature of its gardens. It’s often described as an inspiring and peaceful destination, boasting an impressive and diverse collection of vegetables and plants, including unique and heirloom varieties, with a notable specialization in garlic.
The farm is highly praised for its engaging events, such as the popular edible plant markets and dedicated garlic weekends, which offer a vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and sometimes even live music. These events provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn about and discover a wide array of edible plants. Beyond its horticultural appeal, the farm is lauded for its unique social mission: offering a supportive work environment for individuals seeking a respite. The staff are consistently described as welcoming, friendly, and passionate, eager to share their knowledge and foster an educational experience for all. Many appreciate the guided tours for their informative content, particularly for those interested in gardening.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some visitors have offered constructive feedback. There have been suggestions for more detailed information within the gardens, perhaps in the form of maps or guides, to help visitors identify plants and remember their names, especially regarding fruit and seed cultivation. The farm acknowledges these points, noting that tours are often customized to guests’ interests and crop rotation makes fixed maps difficult, though they are working on adding more information signs. A few isolated incidents included disappointment with the general impression of a market or an issue with the quality of purchased plants, as well as a specific, non-customer-related dispute over unsolicited business solicitations. Additionally, one reviewer noted finding the farm closed, underscoring the importance of checking opening hours in advance. Nevertheless, the farm remains a highly recommended destination for its beauty, educational value, and welcoming spirit.