Hortus Populus is a Roman-themed pick-and-harvest garden located in Bodegraven, dedicated to sustainable cultivation, healthy eating, and community connection. Spanning 2.5 hectares, the farm offers a variety of produce, flowers, and experiences, all grown without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The garden operates from March through November, with the streekwinkel (farm shop) and flower garden open for self-picking from May through November. Visitors can pick their own flowers to create a custom bouquet from a wide selection including dahlias, gladioli, sunflowers, cornflowers, and other wildflowers, priced at €0.75 per stem. The flower garden is open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00. For vegetables, the farm sells unsprayed, seasonal produce starting at the end of May, available through a vegetable subscription (weekly from June to November) or in free sales. The garden also features a Roman-themed area with a reconstructed soldiers’ barracks (the Cohortus) and a Roman herb and vegetable garden, where crops such as beans, endive, cabbage, onion, fennel, and carrots are grown. The farm shop stocks local vegetables, fruit, herbs, jam, syrup, tea, and other regional products. In addition to self-picking, Hortus Populus offers workshops and activities including Roman cooking, botanical drawing, willow weaving, and foraging walks. The garden is wheelchair accessible and suitable for children. According to business directory information, the garden is operational year-round, with the following open hours: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:00 to 12:30, Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00, and closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday. The site has an average rating of 4.9 from 35 reviews.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently praise this self-picking farm as a truly wonderful and special place, offering not only delicious, healthy, and naturally grown vegetables and herbs free from chemicals, but also a beautiful natural setting. The friendly and dedicated volunteers are a highlight, contributing significantly to the pleasant atmosphere and making it a welcoming spot for everyone who appreciates nature and good food.
Beyond the opportunity to pick fresh produce and flowers, the farm provides engaging activities such as flower arranging and sourdough baking workshops. It’s particularly appreciated by families for its child-friendly features, including climbing areas and tunnels. Many see it as a beautiful initiative with admirable objectives, fostering a sense of community through shared gardening, pleasant conversations, and even coffee mornings held in a unique reconstructed Roman barracks. It’s often described as both fun and educational, leaving many visitors wishing they had discovered this enriching location sooner.