De Zonnegaard is a biodynamic farm located in Appen, Voorst, dedicated to sustainable agriculture. The farm employs practices such as meticulous soil care, extensive crop rotation, strip cultivation, and the use of certified organic fertilizers, while also prioritizing the distinct taste of its produce.
Fresh produce can be obtained through various channels. An on-site farm shop in Voorst is open on Fridays, offering the farm’s own-grown vegetables, regional and imported fruit, dairy products, eggs, dry goods, and juices. The Zonnegaard also sells its goods at market stalls in Zutphen on Thursday mornings and Deventer on Saturdays. For regular access, customers can subscribe to weekly seasonal vegetable and/or fruit packages, available for pickup at various locations or directly at the farm.
For those interested in a hands-on experience, De Zonnegaard features a self-picking garden situated across the road from the main farm. This garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset, providing information, vases, and scissors on-site for visitors.
The self-picking options include:
- Flowers: From late March, visitors can pick tulips and narcissus. As the season progresses into spring and summer, the garden offers aquilegia, honesty, cornflowers, zinnias, cosmos, sweet peas, monarda, autumn asters, and dahlias. There are also flowers specifically cultivated for drying, and various edible flowers such as calendula, cornflowers, marigolds, and dahlia petals.
- Small Fruit: When ripe, berries and raspberries are available for picking.
- Herbs: A selection of fresh kitchen herbs, including mint, can be harvested weekly.
Workshops on flower harvesting and bouquet arrangement are also periodically organized for those wishing to learn more.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and its accompanying shop consistently receive high praise from visitors. Many enthusiastically recommend the experience, particularly highlighting the joy of picking fresh flowers and delicious strawberries. The farm is widely lauded for its diverse selection of organic and biodynamic produce, including vegetables, fruits, and other grocer’s products, all noted for their exceptional freshness and quality.
Beyond the excellent produce, the friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate staff are frequently mentioned as a significant positive, contributing to a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the beautifully organized open days and the thoughtful conveniences provided for self-picking, such as readily available information cards, scissors, and buckets, along with flexible payment options that include bank transfers. Many reviewers express their intention to return, often noting the farm as a wonderful outing for families with children. While one customer had a less positive interaction with rushed staff at the farm shop, contrasting it with a friendly market experience, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors points to a delightful environment, excellent products, and generally pleasant interactions with the dedicated team.