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De Tuinen van Weldadigheid

4.2 (81 reviews)

De Tuinen van Weldadigheid

De Tuinen van Weldadigheid is a multi-faceted biological farm and nursery located in Veenhuizen, housed on the historic Essererf estate. It unites a specialist organic nursery, a care farm, and a venue for recreation and education. The farm holds the largest collection of edible crops in the Netherlands, focusing on preserving rare and heritage varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers. The site also offers a small glamping unit (“bakhuisje”) for accommodation from May through September and occasionally hosts vintage caravans on the property for overnight stays.

Self-Pick Produce & Season The nursery is primarily a seed and seed potato grower rather than a traditional self-pick operation for bulk harvest. Visitors can tour the gardens during open days and events, where they see and can purchase seeds and plant material. The main public self-pick and purchase events include:

  • Potatoday: Held in early winter (February 1, 2026), featuring a large selection of 125 potato varieties, including purple, pink, and yellow types, for consumption. These are sold by the kilo.
  • Eetbare Plantjesmarkt (Edible Plant Market): Held annually on the third Sunday of May (May 17, 2026). This event features a wide range of edible plant starters, seeds, and garden products from over 40 vendors. It offers access to the gardens, workshops, and guided walks.
  • General Visit: Products such as home-made syrups, tapenade, and seeds are available for sale in the farm shop during events and scheduled group tours.

Opening Hours & Season The farm and its shop are primarily open to the public through specific events and by appointment for group tours. The standard weekend opening hours of the gardens and shop have been replaced by event-based access for the 2026 season. The site is open during:

  • Potatoday (February 1, 2026).
  • Eetbare Plantjesmarkt (third Sunday of May, 2026).
  • Other local events such as Hap & Stap, and Festival Veenhuizen.
  • Group tours can be booked for a minimum of 10 people, offered year-round, including access to the shop.
  • The glamping accommodation is available from May 1 to September 27.
  • The farm is open to visitors for recreation and education during summer weekends, though specific dates for 2026 are linked to the event calendar.

Additional Information

  • Location: Hospitaallaan 48 (entrance on Eikenlaan), Veenhuizen.
  • Accessibility: The main paths and shop are accessible for wheelchairs, though some narrower garden paths may be difficult. Assistance may be needed for manual wheelchairs on softer ground. An accessible toilet is available.
  • Pets: Leashed dogs are welcome.
  • Parking: Free on-site parking is available, with additional parking at a nearby field during events.
  • Reviews: The farm holds a 4.2/5 rating from 81 user reviews on Google.
  • On-site Activities: In addition to visiting the gardens, the farm offers guided group tours, lectures on topics like forgotten vegetables and climate-resilient gardening, and a four-session course on organic vegetable gardening (held in February, with a spring tour).

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.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

  • Farm shop Farm shop
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