Stadstuin Kweekland is an urban garden and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) initiative located in Arnhem, encompassing an 8,200m² site on a south-facing slope adjacent to Sonsbeek park. It is designed as an “edible landscape,” striving for a diverse array of edible trees, shrubs, crops, flowers, and greenhouse vegetables. The garden operates under a foundation dedicated to education, social reintegration, and fostering connections with green initiatives.
The primary method for self-picking is through a CSA membership, where individuals purchase an “oogstaandeel” (harvest share) at the beginning of the season. This membership grants unrestricted access to harvest from the garden throughout the season, typically running from April 1st to December 1st, for their own needs.
Members can self-pick a wide variety of produce:
- Vegetables: Around 40 to 50 different types are cultivated throughout the season, including winter purslane, various lettuces (in the early season), tomatoes and beans (in summer), and cabbage and root vegetables (in autumn). Specific items available include rhubarb, asparagus, various edible perennial plants, cucumbers, and bell peppers (harvested from the greenhouses).
- Herbs: A diverse collection of herbs is available from the dedicated herb garden.
- Fruits: The garden offers apples, pears, various berries, grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and elderberries.
- From the Food Forest: Berries, nuts, and additional herbs can be harvested from the recently established food forest.
While the flower picking garden is currently closed for the 2024 season, a flower subscription option for members is mentioned for 2025. Beyond harvesting, Stadstuin Kweekland provides educational programs for all ages, guided tours, workshops, and hosts culinary events, lunches, and dinners, often in collaboration with chef Estée Strooker, utilizing the garden’s fresh produce. The garden aims to inspire visitors to learn more about local food systems and sustainable agriculture.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden in Arnhem offers a wonderfully idyllic and peaceful escape, often described as an urban oasis where time seems to stand still. Visitors consistently praise the beautiful, organic vegetables, flowers, and herbs, many of which can be picked directly from the garden. It’s lauded as a fantastic initiative that educates guests on where their food comes from, offering hands-on experiences like harvesting lettuce or even interacting with animals like the Bonte Bentheimer pigs.
Beyond self-picking, the location serves as a versatile venue. It hosts workshops, group meetings in its greenhouse, and features culinary events like pop-up restaurants, often curated by chef Estée Strooker, where fresh ingredients are sourced directly from the garden. The catering for such events is noted as being of high quality.
The farm provides a relaxed environment to sit quietly and enjoy a drink, and is highly recommended for families, with activities like tree climbing, swinging from branches, and hut building available for children. While generally lauded for its charm and friendly, knowledgeable staff who are happy to guide newcomers through the harvesting process, one reviewer noted that its rustic nature might not be ideal for those with mobility challenges. Unique offerings also include a sustainable Christmas tree rental program. Overall, it’s considered a special and inspiring place, always worth a visit, offering a delightful experience and a refreshing connection to nature right in the heart of the city.