This farm, located in Marknesse and managed by Sander and Jose Daniels-Kolk, offers visitors a unique experience centered around nature and flowers. Its primary attraction is a sprawling 5000 square meter tulip picking garden, established in 2005. Here, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a vibrant display of countless tulip varieties and self-pick their own tulips.
The tulip garden features wide, straw-covered paths designed to be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and an observation tower provides scenic views of the surrounding polder and the historic town of Blokzijl. Adjacent to the picking fields, the “Tulip Picking Square” (Tulpenplukplein) serves as a lively hub with a car-free play area for children, a terrace overlooking the flowers, and a cafe named “Boerenbol” offering coffee, snacks, and picnic provisions.
In addition to the self-picking experience, the farm operates a flower shop that sells freshly cut tulips, as well as other blooms like peonies, sunflowers, and summer flowers, available throughout the year. The picturesque tulip fields are also a sought-after location for photoshoots, with options for professional photographers specializing in portraits with children, dogs, or even horses and ponies.
The tulip picking season typically spans from mid-April to early May, with exact dates varying annually based on natural conditions. The farm also caters to groups, offering special packages that include guided tours, picking advice, and meal options such as picnic baskets or an early bird farmer’s breakfast enjoyed amidst the tulips.
What visitors say
This self-picking tulip farm offers a widely enjoyable experience, with many visitors describing the activity of selecting and picking their own tulips as fun, cozy, and worthwhile. The price of €10 for a bucket containing 30-35 tulips is generally considered good value, especially in comparison to larger, more expensive attractions. Guests often praise the friendly and welcoming staff, noting their helpful explanations on how to best pick the flowers. The farm extends beyond just tulip fields, featuring a farm shop with local products, a lookout tower, and workshops, making it a pleasant stop for coffee and apple pie, and even offering delicious strawberries.
However, some common points of contention exist. Several visitors have found the tulip garden to be smaller than anticipated, describing it as a relatively modest field. A notable recurring complaint pertains to the pricing structure, with some guests perceiving a mandatory €10 bucket purchase per person as a condition for entry, leading to unexpected expenses for couples or families. Although the owner’s responses suggest a separate small entry fee per person alongside optional bucket purchases, this aspect appears to cause confusion or dissatisfaction. Furthermore, some visitors were disappointed to find a significant number of tulips past their peak bloom, particularly later in the season. The on-site bistro also received criticism for its mediocre, self-service food, served in paper cups with spray cream. While the farm shop is appreciated for its local offerings, some feel it doesn’t warrant a special trip on its own, and tulip bulbs are not available for purchase during the blooming season. Nevertheless, despite these issues, many reviewers express a positive overall sentiment and a desire to return for the unique picking experience.