This self-picking farm, Sfeer van Willems, is a sustainable vegetable and fruit garden spanning one hectare, located on the northeastern edge of Wijchen. Run by Frank and Wilma Willems, the farm is dedicated to providing healthy, sustainably produced food, cultivated without artificial fertilizers or pesticides, and connecting people with nature through a small-scale, socially responsible approach.
Visitors can become “harvest partners” through a subscription, granting them access to self-pick seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers almost every day of the year (08:00-19:00, or until 17:00 in autumn/winter). They receive weekly updates on what is ready for harvest and are encouraged to bring their own bags or crates.
The farm offers a diverse range of produce, varying with the seasons. Available for self-picking are:
- Leafy Greens and Lettuces: Endive (including curly endive), bok choy, various lettuces (oak leaf, butter, crisphead), arugula, mustard greens, spinach, radicchio, chard, purslane, green chicory.
- Cabbages and Kales: Cauliflower, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, pointed cabbage, Brussels sprouts, white cabbage, red kale, red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, and black kale (palmkool).
- Root and Bulb Vegetables: Beets, leek (including autumn leek), red and yellow onions, shallots, fennel bulb, kohlrabi, celeriac, orange pumpkins, spring onions, gherkins, winter and summer carrots, parsnips, radishes, black radishes, salsify, chicory, and Jerusalem artichokes.
- Other Vegetables: Celery (including stalk celery), eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, cardoons, various beans and peas (pole, bush, grey, broad, snow peas, climbing French beans), spinach dock, corn, artichokes, green asparagus, and Malabar spinach.
- Herbs: Parsley, dill, chervil, coriander, sage, and basil.
- Fruit: A large field of sweet strawberries.
- Additionally: Customers can pick flowers for bouquets and purchase honey from the farm’s own bees.
Beyond harvesting, the farm provides a welcoming atmosphere with benches, chicken runs, beehives, art installations, and an insect hotel. There’s also an atmospheric gazebo available for rent for events. A “Barefoot Path” offers a sensory experience for all ages through the garden’s diverse natural elements, with an entrance fee that is included for harvest partners. The farm also sells Bio-Kultura products by appointment and collaborates with a local farmer to offer sustainable beef subscriptions to its members.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm and garden consistently garners high praise for its inviting atmosphere and unique offerings. Visitors particularly cherish the opportunity to harvest their own fresh, seasonal, and often organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers, noting the wide variety available and the direct connection it provides to sustainable, healthy eating practices.
A prominent and much-loved feature is the barefoot path, described as a truly engaging and educational experience suitable for both children and adults. Reviewers frequently highlight its varied surfaces, interesting facts, and interactive elements like scavenger hunts, creating a sensory journey that helps visitors feel “down to earth.” This path is often recommended for families and school excursions, offering a refreshing escape and a return to nature.
The establishment is widely commended for its beautiful, cozy, and meticulously maintained environment, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation. The owners are consistently praised as incredibly friendly, warm, helpful, and passionate, enhancing the overall experience with their clear explanations and heartfelt welcome. Special events, such as well-organized Halloween activities, are also celebrated for their enjoyment, especially among children. While one visitor found the experience slightly smaller than expected and encountered a minor issue with a small piece of glass on the path, the overwhelming feedback points to a fantastic initiative and a highly recommended destination for those seeking fresh produce, engaging activities, and a peaceful natural retreat.