De Kruidenstee is a self-picking garden and extensive nature garden situated in Stad aan ’t Haringvliet on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee, conveniently located just 700 meters from bicycle route junctions 85/74. The garden operates on an appointment-only basis from June to September for most visits, though some arrangements, such as High Tea and lunch, are available year-round starting in 2025.
The central feature is a dedicated picking garden where visitors can select a diverse range of fresh herbs and edible flowers for consumption. This self-picking experience is offered from June to September, allowing guests to gather their own fragrant herbal selections and determine quantities. It’s important to note that the picking garden is intended for culinary and tea herbs and edible flowers, not for creating floral bouquets. Upon arrival, visitors receive a list of available items to guide their choices.
Beyond the self-picking opportunities, De Kruidenstee presents a rich natural experience. The garden cultivates a collection of common and rare herbs, wild plants, and numerous edible shrubs and trees, alongside over forty-five dye plants such as woad and madder. It functions as a thriving natural habitat, supporting local biodiversity with features like a bee fortress, sandarium, and bee hotel that provide homes for wild bees, bumblebees, birds, frogs, and salamanders.
Guests can arrange a guided tour of the entire edible nature garden, which spans approximately 1.5 hours and includes coffee or herbal tea made from self-picked herbs, accompanied by a treat, all enjoyed with scenic views over the surrounding fields. High tea and lunch arrangements are also available, often featuring vegetarian dishes prepared with seasonal, organic ingredients sourced from the garden. These typically include the option to pick fresh herbs for unlimited tea. The Kruidenstee also serves as a picturesque venue for workshops, lectures, and photoshoots, and offers cultivated plants for sale. Additionally, pure local flower honey, harvested from the on-site bee colonies, is available for purchase.
All visits, including self-picking, require a prior appointment. While the garden can accommodate vegetarian and pregnancy-related dietary requirements, it cannot cater to gluten-free, peanut-free, nut-free, or vegan diets. Visitors are advised that some plants within the garden are not edible or potentially toxic, and parents are responsible for their children’s safety. Dogs are not permitted in the garden.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise this self-picking herb garden as a beautiful, natural, and extensive green oasis. Reviewers highlight the vast variety of herbs, flowers, and shrubs available, offering ample opportunities to explore, learn about, and taste different plants—with some finding the flavors surprisingly delightful. The experience is often enhanced by the warm hospitality, with specific mention of Lisette for her kind welcome and helpful explanations, even accommodating early arrivals. Guests have enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere, sometimes even a scenic journey to the location, and appreciate the additional amenities like a nice cup of coffee with delicious homemade cake. The garden comes highly recommended for anyone seeking an enriching and enjoyable outing.