Amelis’ Hof is a biodynamic market garden situated on an approximately one-hectare 18th-century vegetable garden, part of the historic Amelisweerd estate near Utrecht and Bunnik. This farm, which has been cultivating produce biodynamically since 1984, focuses on preserving historical varieties and sustainable farming practices.
The garden cultivates a rich diversity of produce, including about 100 different types of vegetables, 25 kinds of herbs, small fruits, and numerous flowers. Among the vegetables are known varieties alongside forgotten ones like primeval beetroot and winter broccoli, and old-fashioned options such as Swiss chard, runner beans, silverbeet, parsnip, and Jerusalem artichoke. Depending on the season, produce also includes strawberries, sprouts, and Moroccan mint. The farm also sells local apple juice and eggs from their rare Uilebaarden chickens.
Visitors have several ways to enjoy the farm’s offerings. Produce can be purchased directly from the garden shop, which is open from late April through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The farm also operates a vegetable subscription service, providing weekly seasonal produce boxes.
For a hands-on experience, Amelis’ Hof features a self-picking flower garden. Here, visitors can harvest their own bouquets from over 150 varieties of flowers, including mountain cornflowers, sweet William, phlox, zinnias, flowering onions, love-in-a-mist, and dahlias, typically available from late May. Additionally, for specific workshops and company outings, guests are invited to self-pick vegetables, (wild) herbs, and edible flowers directly from the fields or greenhouse to use in communal cooking activities, such as making pizzas or pesto over a wood fire.
Beyond its produce, Amelis’ Hof hosts guided tours, corporate events, and serves as a tranquil space for individuals seeking rehabilitation or volunteer opportunities in a natural setting.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is celebrated as a truly magical, beautiful, and unique hidden gem, providing a wonderfully relaxing escape for its visitors. Guests consistently discover delicious, fresh, and honest vegetables and fruits, harvested directly from the garden, alongside a splendid array of flowers available for picking. Strolling through the vibrant cultivation offers a pleasant and enriching experience, often noted as being educational for children.
The farm generally offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and hospitable staff. However, some visitors have unfortunately encountered instances of unhelpful or inflexible service, leading to a perception that children were not entirely welcome on those occasions. Additionally, the on-site shop operates with limited opening hours. Despite these occasional drawbacks, it remains a delightful destination for fresh produce, charming floral selections, and is even recommended as a pleasant venue for gatherings.