Buurttuin De Zoete Aarde is an urban farm and community garden situated in Zoetermeer, offering a green oasis and a hub for community engagement. Operated by volunteers, the garden is open from April through October, providing a terrace for coffee and tea, and a shop that sells fresh produce and homemade goods.
Visitors have opportunities for self-picking, particularly in the flower picking garden, where they can create their own bouquets from a variety of blooms including asters, bergamot, chrysanthemums, gypsophila, hydrangeas, hypericum, sweet peas, salvias, tulips, and sunflowers.
The berry garden cultivates red and black currants, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. While some of these are harvested for processing into jams and juices for the shop, visitors may have occasions to pick certain berries. The orchard, featuring apple varieties like Goudrenet and Golden Delicious, and pear varieties such as Conference and Gieser Wildeman, hosts special picking days for families in September. Apples and pears are also available for purchase in the garden shop.
In addition to self-picking, the garden offers other fresh produce for sale in its shop, which varies with the season. These can include carrots, potatoes, tea blends made from garden herbs, honey from the on-site beekeepers, and fresh eggs from the chabo chickens. The farm also produces homemade jams, chutneys, and elderflower syrup.
Beyond cultivation, Buurttuin De Zoete Aarde provides a range of activities, including weekly soup offerings, workshops, concerts, and mini-markets. It features various garden areas such as a natural vegetable garden (permaculture garden), a herb garden, school gardens, and rental plots for those wishing to grow their own produce. The garden is home to animals like Ouessant sheep, rabbits, bees, and chickens, and includes a playground for children. It also serves as a bicycle node and a starting point for walking groups.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and community garden is widely celebrated as a delightful “oasis of peace and green” in the heart of the city of Zoetermeer, offering a tranquil escape and an authentic outdoor experience. Visitors consistently praise the friendly, enthusiastic, and dedicated team of around 80 volunteers who maintain the beautiful and well-kept grounds.
The garden provides a rich variety of activities and amenities for all ages. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks among diverse plants, flowers, and fruit trees (including apples and pears), observing various insects and even unique frogs or toads. A popular feature is the pick-your-own flower garden, where, even late in the season, beautiful bouquets can be composed for a small fee. Fresh, often organic, produce like vegetables, fruits, homemade jams, and pasta sauces are regularly available for purchase, with some acknowledging that the selection can be limited, requiring an open mind rather than a fixed shopping list.
Beyond its green spaces, the farm fosters a strong community spirit. It hosts regular events such as markets (including “hippie markets” and autumn markets), workshops, and even special meals like a recent Greek dinner. School allotments are also a significant part of the initiative. For families, there’s a small playground, as well as chickens and rabbits, making it an engaging spot for children. Coffee and tea are available for a small fee, and on Wednesdays, visitors can enjoy affordable vegetarian soup.
While the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the cozy atmosphere, educational opportunities, and relaxing environment, a few minor concerns were raised. Some visitors found it frustrating that the annual agenda is primarily communicated via social media, making it inaccessible for those without platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Additionally, one reviewer noted the playground toys were dirty, wet, and broken, which detracted from the experience for their grandchildren. Another isolated comment mentioned unfriendly staff and an uninviting atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the general sentiment of warmth and hospitality. Despite these infrequent criticisms, the farm remains a highly recommended place to relax, explore, connect with nature, and enjoy fresh, locally grown products. A new pavilion is also under construction, promising even more opportunities for workshops and community gatherings.