De Warmoes is a historical market garden located in Lent, near Nijmegen, dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional market gardening knowledge. This non-profit foundation cultivates over a hundred different vegetable varieties year-round, employing sustainable and circular methods without pesticides, while also fostering biodiversity.
Visitors are welcome to harvest their own produce directly from the fields during the harvest season. The self-picking options, which are clearly marked, include a diverse range of vegetables such as Swiss chard (warmoes), Lent white cucumber, winter purslane, root parsley, sorrel, rue, leaf mustard, turnip greens, lettuce, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, and eggplants. Fruits available for self-picking or from the orchard include plums, apples, pears, cherries, mirabelles, medlars, quinces, mulberries, morello cherries, walnuts, grapes, strawberries, and various types of berries and raspberries. Additionally, there is a flower-picking garden where guests can gather their own bouquets of typical farm flowers like dahlias, zinnias, coneflowers, drumstick flowers, sea lavender, everlasting flowers, delphiniums, and summer asters.
Beyond self-picking, the farm features a cozy garden café serving vegetarian dishes, homemade cakes, and fresh juices made from their own produce. A farm shop offers fresh seasonal vegetables, preserved goods, and garden plants. The site also includes a museum detailing the history of market gardening in Lent, a herb and edible flower garden, and an impressive high-stem fruit orchard. For those wishing to extend their visit, charming guest accommodation in a 1940s-50s style is available in the former gardener’s house.
De Warmoes hosts various activities and workshops, ranging from fermentation classes and basket weaving to musical afternoons and lectures on ecological gardening. Educational programs are offered for primary school groups, allowing children to learn about gardening firsthand. The farm is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00, with Mondays and Tuesdays reserved for groups and rentals. Business meetings and private events can also be hosted in their meeting spaces or the orchard.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden is widely celebrated as a delightful, cozy, and sustainable destination, earning high praise for its pure and organic offerings. Many visitors cherish the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, often describing it as a tranquil “green oasis” amidst the new urban development of Lent in Nijmegen-Noord.
The location boasts a charming garden café, offering a delicious assortment of homemade treats, including delectable carrot cake, apple pie, and vegan brownies, alongside healthy lunches, smoothies, and coffee. Guests particularly appreciate the fresh, natural ingredients, often sourced directly from the garden itself, making for a truly “soul food” experience.
Beyond the culinary delights, the farm provides engaging activities for all ages. It’s a popular spot for self-picking flowers, fruits, and vegetables, with dedicated plucking days and educational tours, making it especially appealing for families with children. The spacious orchard, with its inviting seating areas, is a favourite for lingering and enjoying the rural setting, even amidst surrounding urban growth. Some have even praised the availability of a retro-style cottage for rent or found it a great spot for team events.
While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few reviews note concerns regarding the pricing, which some find to be on the higher side, even double what might be paid elsewhere for self-picked produce. Isolated comments also touch upon occasionally slow or unenthusiastic service during busy periods, a somewhat rustic interior, or limited menu choices, but these appear to be exceptions to the generally excellent experience. Overall, it stands out as a unique and refreshing escape, fostering a sense of community and connection to nature.