narcissus

Oh, get ready for a truly delightful Dutch experience! Imagine stepping into a vibrant field, bathed in sunshine, where hundreds of cheerful blooms nod a welcome. We’re talking about the utterly charming narcissus, those iconic heralds of spring, and yes, you absolutely can pick your own on several picturesque farms across the Netherlands!

The Joy of the Pick-Your-Own Narcissus Adventure!

Forget about boring supermarket bouquets! The pleasure of picking your own narcissus is a simple, soul-soothing, and surprisingly fun adventure. Picture it: you’re out in the fresh Dutch air, surrounded by a glorious sea of whites, yellows, and oranges, all reaching for the sky. Whether you’re on a peaceful solo mission, soaking in the quiet beauty and selecting each perfect bloom with meditative calm, or giggling your way through the rows with friends and family, it’s an absolute treat.

Kids especially love the thrill of the “treasure hunt,” their eyes wide with wonder as they choose their favourite, carefully snipping the stem. It’s a sensory feast: the gentle rustle of leaves, the soft hum of busy bees, the crisp spring air, and the sheer visual delight of countless blossoms. You get to play florist, photographer, and nature-lover all in one go, curating your very own, utterly unique bouquet directly from Mother Nature’s abundant hand. It’s not just about the flowers; it’s about the memories, the laughter, and that wonderful feeling of being connected to the earth.

Bringing That Spring Cheer Home: Decoration!

Once you’ve gathered your magnificent armful of hand-picked narcissus, the fun continues back home as you bring a burst of Dutch spring cheer indoors!

Classic Elegance: Simply arrange them in a clear glass vase, allowing their natural beauty and bright colours to shine. A mix of different narcissus varieties adds wonderful depth and texture.
Rustic Charm: For a more natural, farm-fresh look, pair your narcissus with some wild greenery, a few bare branches, or even some sprigs of pussy willow.
Mini Bouquets: Don’t limit yourself to one big arrangement! Create several small, charming clusters of narcissus in tiny bottles, jam jars, or even teacups. These look delightful scattered on windowsills, bookshelves, or your bedside table.
Table Centrepiece: Craft a lovely low arrangement for your dining table, instantly brightening up your meals and conversations.
Welcome Display: A beautiful bunch of narcissus by your entryway or in a hallway will greet everyone with a cheerful splash of spring.
Gift of Sunshine: Tie a simple ribbon around a small bunch and you have the most thoughtful, handmade gift for a friend or neighbour, sharing the joy of your picking adventure.

⚠️ A Crucial Safety Note: Narcissus are NOT for Eating! ⚠️

While narcissus are incredibly beautiful and wonderful for decoration, it is extremely important to know that every part of the narcissus plant—the bulbs, leaves, and especially the flowers—is poisonous if ingested by humans or pets.

Therefore, we absolutely cannot provide any cooking recipes, tea recipes, or cocktail suggestions using narcissus. Please admire their beauty, enjoy their delightful presence in your home, and keep them purely for decorative purposes, well out of reach of curious mouths (human or animal!). Safety first, always!

So, go forth and embrace the simple, joyous pleasure of picking your own narcissus. It’s a wonderful way to experience a charming Dutch tradition and bring a truly vibrant, unforgettable piece of spring into your life!

Moestuin Vollenhoven

flowers, vegetables, berries

utrecht

Moestuin Vollenhoven is a historical and regenerative kitchen garden nestled on Landgoed Vollenhoven. This garden operates with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, cultivating all its produce biologically without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. It features unique historical glasshouses dating back to 1800 and 1854, which are still actively used today. Visitors to Moestuin Vollenhoven can engage in several activities and offerings: One of the primary self-picking activities is flower picking, available throughout all four seasons using a special clipping card. The variety of flowers for self-picking changes with the seasons:

Pluktuin Amstelveen

flowers, vegetables

noord-holland

This vibrant picking garden and tea garden, located in Nes a/d Amstel at Amsteldijk Zuid 183 b, invites visitors to enjoy a variety of floral experiences throughout the year. It operates from Wednesday to Saturday, between 10:00 and 17:00. The primary attraction is the opportunity to pick your own fresh flowers, all grown organically and pesticide-free. Seasonal offerings for self-picking include: Spring: Narcissi and tulips (which can also be picked with their bulbs). Summer: Peonies, alliums, sweet william, zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, and sunflowers. Additionally, strawflowers, statice, and physalis are available for drying. Autumn: Dahlias, gladioli, autumn asters, and cosmos continue to bloom, with pumpkins also featuring as a seasonal highlight. Beyond the picking fields, the location offers a welcoming tea garden, complete with a newly renovated tearoom for comfort in any weather. Guests can savor a selection of teas, coffee, homemade apple pie, and seasonal cakes. The tea garden also provides options for lunch, high tea (including a special “Flower High Tea” with edible blooms), and Spanish tapas. Children can enjoy a playground with a slide, sandbox, and play castle. The venue is also suitable for various events, such as family reunions, team outings, birthdays, and baby showers.

Boerderijwinkel t Duvelshofke

fruit, vegetables, flowers, berries

overijssel

’t Duvelshofke is a farm located in Oldenzaal, within the Twente region, operating as a farm shop, fruit and workshop farm, and a self-picking garden. The establishment prides itself on offering regional quality products, sourced directly from its own farm and local producers, fostering a short and transparent food chain. The farm shop provides a diverse range of products, including Twentse regional specialties, various cuts of Galloway beef from their own grass-fed cattle, house-grown Venetia potatoes, artisan jams, sauces, liqueurs, and dairy items. Seasonal offerings in the shop include asparagus during May and June, and soft fruits like berries, blackberries, and strawberries in the summer. The farm also specializes in creating customized gift and Christmas packages filled with local Twentse products.