Moestuin Leyduin is a historical kitchen garden of one hectare located on the Buitenplaats Leyduin estate, on the border of Heemstede and Vogelenzang. It operates as a self-harvest garden using a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, where members purchase a share of the harvest at the beginning of the season. The garden is open to the public, but the primary activity—self-picking of produce—is reserved for shareholding participants.
Approximately fifty different vegetables, twenty types of herbs, soft fruit, apples, and pears are grown using methods free from artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. A wide variety of flowers is also available for picking. The garden is suitable for walking and is welcoming to children, with the condition that they are supervised while harvesting. Dogs are allowed only at the entrance and must be kept on a lead.
The self-harvest season runs from mid-April to mid-November, offering about 30 harvest weeks. Participants can pick what is ripe each week. The specific produce available changes weekly according to the season. Early in the season (mid-April), typical offerings include paksoi, lettuce, and pea shoots, followed by leek, lettuce, arugula, radishes, and herbs. The full crop list also includes apple, strawberry, beetroot, celery, kale, courgette, corn, pumpkin, tomato, beans, spinach, sprouts, and many other vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
Open harvest times are Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00.
What visitors say
This self-harvest garden is consistently described as a beautiful, idyllic, and serene destination, often referred to as a “paradise.” Nestled within a picturesque, wooded area, it offers a charming outdoor space that is also popular for leisurely walks. Reviewers frequently praise the meticulously maintained vegetable, herb, and flower gardens, which operate on biodynamic principles, yielding delicious, fresh, and unsprayed produce, including fruits. The site also features restored elements such as an old barn and charming stone walls.
A core aspect of the garden is its self-harvesting model, allowing members to gather their own seasonal vegetables weekly. This process is supported by a dedicated team of enthusiastic and friendly volunteers, alongside a professional gardener, who collaboratively establish the cultivation plan. Many reviewers appreciate the opportunity to engage with the community and even help with gardening tasks. Visitors can also enjoy simply strolling through the well-cared-for grounds, and during summer, often find beautiful garden bouquets available for purchase at reasonable prices.
The overwhelmingly positive sentiment highlights the garden as an oasis of peace, known for its friendly atmosphere and high-quality, healthy produce. Although one visitor reported an isolated negative experience regarding an arrogant and unpleasant interaction, the predominant feedback celebrates the exceptional beauty, welcoming environment, and the freshness of the harvested goods.