De Groenerie operates as a dynamic care and experience farm located in Harskamp, committed to honest, fresh, local, and sustainable practices. It offers a variety of attractions and services, combining agricultural activities with recreation and social care.
Visitors interested in self-picking can explore the flower picking garden (Pluktuin), typically open from July to October, where they can cut and assemble their own bouquets. Additionally, the farm features a self-harvest garden (Zelfoogsttuin), providing subscribers with the opportunity to pick their own seasonal vegetables and herbs from May to December.
Beyond self-picking, De Groenerie includes a farm shop (Landwinkel) that sells its own freshly grown vegetables, local potatoes, meat from the farm’s animals, fresh fruit, and a diverse selection of regional products such as cheese and honey. The farm also prepares pre-packed vegetable boxes, featuring both common and lesser-known seasonal produce, often accompanied by recipes.
For entertainment and learning, the farm offers an indoor playground for children, a butterfly garden housed within a greenhouse, and a challenging corn maze. Group activities include covered wagon rides, guided tours focusing on sustainable farming and nature, a farmer’s survival course, and farmer’s golf. The venue is also suitable for children’s parties, school trips, and corporate events. A restaurant provides options for coffee, lunch, and high teas.
De Groenerie serves as a care farm (zorgboerderij), offering meaningful daily activities (dagbesteding) for young people and adults who are reintegrating into the workforce or require support. Participants can gain practical experience in areas such as vegetable cultivation, animal care, kitchen operations, woodworking, and various creative crafts, fostering personal growth in a supportive, green environment.
The farm and shop are open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and are closed on Mondays, Sundays, and public holidays. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor premises, including the terrace, but are not permitted inside the shop or greenhouse.
What visitors say
This farm offers a diverse and engaging experience, frequently lauded as a fantastic family destination with a strong focus on children’s activities. It features expansive indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a corn maze, and various farm animals, making it an ideal spot for family outings and celebrations. Many appreciate the farm shop’s wide selection of fresh, organic, home-grown produce, including vegetables, fruits, and meats, complemented by local delicacies and baked goods like their highly-rated apple pie. Visitors also enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the on-site restaurant or lunchroom, where friendly staff serve coffee, snacks, and full meals, often highlighted as good value. The farm’s identity as a care farm, providing meaningful activities, resonates positively with some guests.
However, the butterfly garden stands out as a polarizing attraction. While some find it beautiful and home to a decent variety of butterflies, a recurring critique highlights its small size and disproportionately high entrance fee, with several visitors expressing disappointment over the limited number of active butterflies, especially when the enclosure is perceived as too cold. There are also reports of dead butterflies, leading to feelings of being overcharged. Similarly, the corn maze has drawn criticism for unclear signage, repetitive questions, and difficult paths, often deemed not worth the price of admission.
Further concerns have been raised regarding animal welfare, with specific complaints about cramped and unclean enclosures for pigs, rabbits, and chickens, which some visitors found distressing and an inappropriate example for children. Other less frequent criticisms include general cleanliness issues, the indoor play area being cold in winter, and overly fast slides. Despite these specific points of contention, the farm is generally recognized for its appealing environment and the warm, welcoming demeanor of its staff, suggesting a promising venture with clear areas for improvement in specific attractions and animal care.