Pluktuin PlukWad is a self-picking garden situated in Wijnaldum, easily reachable by bicycle from nearby towns like Harlingen, Franeker, and Sexbierum. The garden operates during the summer season, typically opening in early July and remaining open daily from 8:00 to 22:00 until late October, when the blooming period concludes.
Visitors are invited to explore the vast flower fields and assemble their own vibrant bouquets of cut flowers. The payment system is self-service: after gathering flowers, visitors measure their stems at a designated picnic area to determine the cost, which can then be paid digitally via QR code or with cash. It’s recommended to bring a damp cloth or container to keep the fresh flowers hydrated on the journey home.
Beyond offering a cheerful floral outing, Pluktuin PlukWad is committed to enhancing biodiversity, providing a local and sustainable alternative to commercially bought flowers, and educating the community about nature and sustainable farming practices.
The farm also hosts several community-focused and educational initiatives. The Schooltuin PlukWad provides hands-on gardening education for primary school children, where they cultivate and harvest a variety of vegetables including potatoes, pointed cabbage, lettuce, zucchini, dry beans, corn, green beans, carrots, beets, and onions. They also grow flowers such as dahlias, zinnias, and sunflowers, and herbs like parsley, celery, red pepper, and basil. While these food items are grown and harvested by the school children, the main self-picking experience for the general public is focused on flowers. Other projects include summer activities for children, nature education programs for toddlers, a community garden named Samentuin Winaam, and a dye garden (Verfplantentuin). This dye garden, in collaboration with Wolkeamer Franeker, grows specific plants like red onions, marigolds, woad, sunflowers, and hops, which are used for natural wool dyeing. The farm additionally offers events such as garden theater and maintains a seed library.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm consistently receives high praise from visitors, who describe it as a beautiful, wonderful, and enjoyable destination. Reviewers frequently highlight the extensive and beautiful picking garden, offering a wide variety of flowers from which to create lovely bouquets. Beyond the floral offerings, some visitors have also enjoyed purchasing fresh produce like delicious courgettes.
The experience is considered suitable and educational for all ages, including young children and schoolchildren, with helpful guidance often available. Visitors appreciate the reasonable pricing, particularly for picking flowers, where a clear system involving slots on a picnic table helps determine the cost of a bouquet. Practical amenities such as pruning tools are provided, and the farm even offers convenient cashless payment options via a QR code. Overall, it is viewed as a great and educational project.