De Scholte is a multi-generational farm situated in Geesteren, Gelderland, operating as a flower farm, an arable farm, and a care farm. The flower farm, which began in 1980, specializes in various floral services, providing custom arrangements for occasions like weddings and funerals, as well as everyday bouquets. It offers flower arranging courses and workshops, hosts excursions, and organizes seasonal activities such as Christmas inspiration days and summer fairs.
A notable feature of de Scholte is its self-picking garden, where visitors can gather their own bouquets. This extensive garden, complemented by an ornamental display, cultivates over 50 types of perennial plants and approximately 40 varieties of annuals, planted in stages to ensure continuous bloom throughout a long season. The picking season begins with early-blooming flowers like tulips and camassia, followed by perennials such as delphinium, peony, and yellow phlomus, and then a wide assortment of annuals, concluding with dahlias and chrysanthemums. Visitors receive a knife and guidance for picking, along with tips for flower care and longevity when checking out.
The produce available for self-picking primarily includes a diverse range of flowers:
- Perennials: Yellow and colored Achillea, Solidago, pink and red Marjoram, Phlomus, Eringium, Eupatorium, Alchemilla, pink and white Echinacea, Peony, and Delphinium.
- Annuals: Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Poppy, Love-in-a-mist, Zinnia, Aster, various types of grasses, Sunflower, and Celosia.
- Additionally, different varieties of gourds are grown in the garden.
The farm also features a webshop for its products and a ‘Rustpunt’ (resting point) where guests can relax at picnic tables, enjoy coffee or tea, and use the facilities.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm provides a truly enjoyable experience for its visitors, consistently garnering high praise in numerous reviews. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to select their own beautiful flowers from the garden, noting the wide variety available at excellent prices, all set within a lovely rural location.
Beyond the appeal of the picking garden, the farm is highly regarded for its engaging workshops. Participants consistently commend the expert guidance, which empowers everyone to create unique and beautiful floral arrangements. Family groups, in particular, have enjoyed crafting items like dried flower rings, praising the well-organized sessions and the welcoming atmosphere. The farm also offers a diverse range of products, including fresh bouquets (even custom bereavement arrangements), dried flowers, and homemade regional specialties like jams. Their charming shop stocks complementary items such as vases and other gifts, and children’s DIY craft kits are also a popular feature.
Visitors find the overall ambiance to be cozy and friendly, with staff frequently described as knowledgeable and accommodating. The presence of a roadside stall and a comfortable “Rustpunt” (rest stop) offering drinks and ice cream adds to the convenience, making it an ideal spot to relax. While the dried flowers are generally well-liked, one reviewer noted they might be fragile for beginners during workshops. Overall, it is celebrated as a wonderful family business offering a diverse and enriching outing for all.