Buurttuin Zoete Aarde is a community-run urban farm located along the Broekwegzijde in Zoetermeer, where a former apple and pear orchard planted over 70 years ago has been transformed into a green meeting place. Managed entirely by volunteers, this garden offers a space where sustainability, creativity, and community come together. The farm is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 during its main season, which runs from April through October.
Visitors can self-pick a variety of produce including apples (such as Goudrenet and Golden Delicious), pears (such as Conference, Beurré Hardy, Legipont, and the stewing pears Saint Remy and Gieser Wildeman), and an assortment of berries including red and black currants, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. The flower picking garden features a wide range of blooms such as asters, bergamot, chrysanthemums, gypsophila, hydrangeas, hypericum, sweet peas, salvias, tulips, and sunflowers, which can be harvested when in season. The farm also maintains a natural vegetable garden and a herb garden.
Beyond picking, the site offers a farm shop where fresh produce, homemade jams, chutneys, syrups, tea blends, honey, and eggs are sold. Every Wednesday, homemade soup is served starting at noon, available year-round. The garden also features a greenhouse, a pavilion, a playground, and animal residents including Ouessant sheep, rabbits, bees, and Chabo chickens. Throughout the year, the farm hosts workshops, mini-markets, concerts, community dinners, and a December light evening. Rental plots are available for personal gardening from April to October. The farm is wheelchair accessible with designated parking and is suitable for children and birthday parties.
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.