Landgoed Buitenleeft is a green oasis located in the Delftse Hout area, part of the larger Buytenhout region. This community garden and nature-focused estate is dedicated to fostering a sustainable relationship with nature and promoting both human and environmental health. The estate serves as a meeting place where visitors can experience the healing effects of nature, learn about food cultivation, and participate in various green activities. It is home to a vegetable garden, flower garden, herb garden, a small fruit orchard, and a nursery for perennial plants. The estate is a female-led, LGBTQ+ friendly, and wheelchair-accessible space with picnic tables and gender-neutral toilets, suitable for children.
The self-harvest vegetable garden allows members to pick their own organically grown vegetables and herbs directly from the soil, cultivated without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The self-picking season typically runs from the end of April or the beginning of May through the end of October, spanning an average of 24 weeks. Members can harvest a share of the weekly produce, with the amount often exceeding five different vegetables per week during peak season. Participants can come to harvest once a week on set days and times: Thursdays from 16:30 to 18:30, Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00, and Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00.
The estate also features a herb garden in the form of a spiral, containing a variety of edible and medicinal herbs. A new, sustainably managed flower garden called Buitenbloem is being established, with first bouquets expected to be available for purchase from June onward, sold on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00. A small fruit orchard with apple and pear trees is also present.
Open Business Hours (from Google Business Directory):
- Summer Season (mid-March to October):
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 09:15 – 12:30
- Wednesday: Closed
- Saturday: 09:15 – 12:30
- Sunday: Closed
- Winter Season (November to March):
- Monday and Friday: 09:15 – 12:30
- The estate is closed during the month of December.
Additionally, the on-site perennial plant nursery, Buitenkweek, is open from March to October on Fridays from 9:00 to 15:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 13:00.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently describe this self-picking farm as a truly special and wonderful place, offering a serene escape amidst nature, even within the bustling Randstad area. Many appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural environment, finding peace and a sense of calm while actively engaging with the earth.
The farm is highly praised for its pure, organic approach, allowing patrons to harvest their own fresh vegetables and purchase beautiful bouquets of organically grown flowers. It operates as a cherished community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiative, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where people enjoy working together and are valued for their contributions. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly and mindful community that thrives here, emphasizing a collective appreciation for nature and each other. While regular vegetable packages are primarily available through ongoing memberships, the owner notes that loose vegetable sales are handled by a neighboring farm, indicating a collaborative approach to providing diverse local produce. One comment, though, mistakenly referred to it as a fishing spot, which the farm clarified is not its purpose, focusing instead on growing honest food.