De Boschhoeve is a delightful nursery, garden, and tea house nestled amidst agricultural fields and mature trees in Wolfheze, near Arnhem. The property features a large and varied farm garden, showcasing vibrant summer and autumn borders, a tranquil shady lane, and an orchard bursting with spring bulbs. A notable highlight is the decorative vegetable garden, where unique vegetables are artfully combined with various flowers, including many summer bulbs.
The nursery offers a wide assortment of robust and easy-to-care-for plants, specializing in diverse snowdrop varieties, dahlias, peonies, and spring bulbs. Visitors can observe plants in their full glory in the dedicated mother plant beds. The farm also encompasses a large agricultural barn, which houses a garden shop selling seeds, tools, and gardening accessories, a cozy tea house offering refreshments, and a brocante section with antique and second-hand goods. Throughout the year, De Boschhoeve hosts various events and workshops, with the annual Snowdrop Festival being a particular draw.
For those eager to gather their own blooms, De Boschhoeve features a dedicated “Pluktuin” (pick-your-own garden), typically open during the summer season. Here, guests can self-pick a diverse range of flowers, with perennials generally available from mid-June and annuals from mid-July. The produce available for self-picking includes:
- Perennial Flowers: Coneflowers, asters, yarrow, phloxes, verbena, burnet, daisies, and various grasses.
- Summer Bulbs: Primarily dahlias.
- Annuals: Zinnias, cornflowers, dill, cosmos, soft green tobacco plants, mallows, sunflowers, basil, cat’s tail, and cat’s whiskers.
- Climbing Flowers: Small-flowered clematis in pink, purple, and blue hues.
The farm and gardens are typically open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00 during the spring and summer seasons, with the garden season usually concluding in early October. Specific “Pick-flower Days” are held in late July and early August. Visitors are advised to bring their own buckets, scissors, or knives for picking.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden consistently garners high praise, described by visitors as a true paradise and an oasis of calm. Its exquisitely maintained gardens are a major highlight, showcasing a vibrant blend of ornamental flowers and productive vegetable plots, thoughtfully designed with a keen eye for color and compelling plant combinations that even attract insects. These extensive gardens feature diverse areas, including spring bulb displays in March/April, white-yellow and buxus borders, a double summer border, and a spectacular ornamental vegetable garden in high summer, culminating in vibrant autumn borders later in the year.
The expansive nursery offers a diverse selection of unusual plants, bulbs, and cuttings, with organic options available. From mid-June, guests can enjoy the popular pick-your-own flower garden, brimming with perennials, unique annuals, and colorful dahlias, allowing them to create their own bespoke bouquets.
Beyond the horticultural offerings, the establishment features a welcoming teahouse where visitors can savor delicious coffee, tea, and homemade cakes, along with sandwiches. A large barn hosts a charming brocante shop filled with curiosities, particularly crockery, and a selection of seeds. The farm’s location in Wolfheze, peacefully nestled among the woods, provides picturesque views and a serene backdrop to the entire experience, complemented by ample free parking.
The staff and volunteers are consistently lauded for their friendliness, helpfulness, and expertise, contributing to the overall pleasant and convivial atmosphere. The farm frequently hosts special events and themed days, such as plant fairs and dahlia days, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. While the quality and unique nature of the nursery plants are generally considered reasonably priced, one customer felt the pick-your-own flowers were expensive for the quantity and longevity. Additionally, a minor concern was raised about the poor condition of the access road, suggesting it needs maintenance. Overall, the overwhelming consensus is that this is a highly recommended destination for anyone who appreciates nature and beautiful gardens, offering a delightful day out.