HenksPluktuin is a self-picking garden located in Oosterbeek, Gelderland, dedicated to cultivating produce without pesticides. The garden offers different self-picking experiences.
For its members, HenksPluktuin provides access to a kitchen garden where they can self-pick a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers throughout the year for an annual fee. There is currently a waitlist for new memberships.
Non-members can visit the dedicated Flower Self-Picking Garden, which is open from June 1st to October 1st, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00. Visitors are provided with a basket and scissors to choose and harvest their own beautiful flowers.
Beyond self-picking, HenksPluktuin also hosts various workshops in its ‘Pluk-Lokaal’ (Picking-Room), including sessions on edible flowers, general flower arranging, Kenzan techniques, and seasonal offerings like Christmas wreath making. The garden also organizes special events throughout the year, such as the annual Pumpkin Soup Event, “Christmas in HenksPluktuin,” and “Blossom in HenksPluktuin.” An apiary is also part of the farm, underscoring the importance of bees to the garden’s ecosystem.
Customers can also order items like custom Christmas wreaths, fresh flowers, Christmas packages featuring produce from the garden, and homemade pumpkin soup.
The garden has a history dating back to the 1940s, started by Jo van der Gronden and later continued by his son Henk, after whom the garden is named. Today, HenksPluktuin is managed by Henk’s youngest son, Erik van der Gronden, and his wife, Marieke Smit, with the support of volunteers, maintaining the tradition of growing fresh produce. The garden is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.
What visitors say
This charming self-picking farm consistently garners high praise from visitors, many describing it as a wonderful and cozy garden, even a small oasis located near an old church. Guests particularly enjoy the opportunity to pick a variety of beautiful flowers, delicious vegetables, and fresh fruit. The experience is greatly enhanced by the friendly and passionate owners, Marieke and Erik, who are noted for their engaging storytelling about the garden and their bee colonies, readily answering curious questions.
Beyond individual picking, the farm offers unique experiences such as spontaneous workshops where guests can learn to make flower salt or sauerkraut, and sample homemade honey. The owners also craft and sell a range of delightful products like honey, syrups, vinegars, and mustard, all sourced directly from their garden. The serene atmosphere is further enriched by an old apple orchard and an annual Easter fire event, which comes highly recommended. It’s important to note that while the flower picking garden is open to all visitors, access for picking vegetables, fruits, and herbs is generally reserved for subscribers.