Steck Utrecht presents itself as a vibrant green city oasis that combines a garden center with diverse community and nature-focused experiences. Visitors have opportunities to engage in self-picking activities, especially during warmer months.
At the Pluktuin Glitter Gladiool, guests can pick their own bouquets of colorful, unsprayed seasonal flowers. For those interested in cultivating their own food, the Zelfoogsttuin De Gagelgaard offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, where members with a harvest share can weekly gather their own vegetables, including Swiss chard, arugula, beans, cabbages, carrots, and various herbs and root vegetables.
Beyond self-picking, the location hosts a comprehensive garden center providing houseplants, outdoor plants, seeds, gardening tools, and furniture. A vegetarian garden café, Tuincafé Noordertuin, serves dishes made with local and seasonal produce. The site also features a range of activities like a winter ice rink, a summer corn maze, and creative workshops focused on topics such as flower arranging and botanical drawing. Various partners contribute to the oasis, including a wildlife rescue, a beekeeping operation, and a nursery cultivating edible plants like fruit and nut trees, fruit bushes, herbs, flowers, vegetables, and strawberries (available for purchase as plants). Additionally, practical services such as a dog wash, free trailer rental for large purchases, and recycling points for textiles and plant pots are available.
What visitors say
Steck, a prominent garden center in Utrecht, distinguishes itself as a vibrant and multifaceted destination, widely praised for offering a rich experience beyond conventional plant shopping. Visitors consistently highlight its commitment to sustainability, featuring a diverse and often unique selection of indoor and outdoor plants, including organic and locally sourced varieties. The establishment actively fosters a greener, more social environment through initiatives like supporting a local hedgehog rescue, cultivating donated plants for social housing, and promoting regional produce available at their on-site “Oogst” market.
The center is a popular choice for family outings, with numerous engaging activities for children such as a seasonal corn maze, a bamboo “spooky forest,” and a free ice rink complete with loaner skates. Dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas further enhance its child-friendly appeal. Adding to the experience, the “Noordertuin” restaurant consistently receives accolades for its inviting atmosphere and its menu of delicious, often organic and vegetarian meals, cakes, and beverages. Practical amenities like ample free parking, a tire pump, and a complimentary dog wash also contribute to a positive visitor experience. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are frequently mentioned as a significant asset, and the center regularly hosts creative workshops and events, solidifying its role as a dynamic community hub.
While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some patrons have offered constructive criticism. A few visitors find the internal layout occasionally cluttered or disorienting, describing it as a “treasure hunt” to navigate. Opinions on pricing are mixed, with some finding products and meals to be on the more expensive side, contrasting with others who perceive them as fair or competitive. Minor concerns about hygiene have been raised regarding certain restroom facilities and restaurant cleanliness. More seriously, one instance detailed an unsettling experience where a non-Dutch visitor was allegedly subjected to aggressive and public accusations of shoplifting, prompting a formal complaint and raising questions about equitable treatment, which management is reportedly addressing. Nevertheless, despite these points for improvement, Steck remains a highly valued and distinctive destination, captivating many with its engaging atmosphere, diverse offerings, and genuine dedication to environmental and social causes.