Utrecht Natuurlijk operates eleven green locations across Utrecht, including five city farms and six city gardens. These sites are open to the public, offering a range of activities, nature education, and opportunities to connect with animals and local food production. Many locations feature farm shops or cafes selling fresh, local produce.
For those interested in self-picking, several city gardens provide this experience:
- At Stadstuin Klopvaart, visitors can pick beautiful bouquets of flowers for a fee from the flower picking garden, typically available from late June. It may also be possible to harvest some vegetables and herbs after consultation with staff.
- Kasteeltuin Nijevelt allows self-picking of flowers on Friday and Saturday mornings during the summer, and visitors can ask staff about gathering their own seasonal vegetables, fruit, and herbs.
- Stadstuin Food for Good offers self-picking flowers from mid-June to the end of October, and harvesting of vegetables, fruit, and herbs can be arranged upon request.
- Stadstuin Kanaalweg provides organic flowers and certain herbs for self-picking at a small cost when they are in season.
- At Stadstuin Plutodreef, self-harvesting of vegetables and herbs is occasionally possible, requiring prior inquiry with staff.
- Finally, Stadstuin Zuilen invites visitors to self-pick vegetables from its harvest garden every Friday from May to October, and also offers a flower picking garden open on Sundays from mid-June for creating personal bouquets.
What visitors say
This expansive urban garden in Utrecht, nestled in the Overvecht neighborhood, is widely cherished as a beautiful and well-maintained green oasis. Visitors consistently praise its stunning grounds, which feature charming winding paths, often covered with wood chips, making it an ideal destination for families with young children to explore and learn about nature.
Beyond its appeal to youngsters, the garden serves as a tranquil and welcoming retreat for adults seeking relaxation and community engagement. Reviewers appreciate the diverse cultivation, encompassing vegetable plots, vibrant flower beds, and even local hop varieties, highlighting the collaborative spirit among the various groups who actively tend to the gardens. The site hosts events for members and functions as a cherished meeting place for all ages, fostering a wonderful atmosphere.
Amenities such as a terrace offering coffee and treats, and even a restaurant, are mentioned, though there is some anticipation for further catering development. Overall, it is lauded as a long-standing, well-preserved gem—a testament to a fantastic community initiative that has maintained its charm for many years.