Tuinderij Amelis’Hof is an 18th-century kitchen garden of approximately one hectare, located on the historic estate of Oud Amelisweerd near the Kromme Rijn river. Since 1984, the garden has been cultivated using biodynamic methods, growing a wide diversity of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. The farm is known for preserving heritage varieties and forgotten vegetables, such as oerprei, winterbroccoli, warmoes, and pastinaak. Visitors are welcome to explore the garden’s paths, enjoy a free cup of herbal tea, and experience the peaceful, historic setting.
Self-picking is available in the flower garden, where guests can cut their own bouquet from over 150 varieties of blooms, including cornflowers, phlox, zinnias, dahlias, and flowering onions. Flower picking begins in late May and continues throughout the summer and into autumn, with the selection changing through the season. While the farm does not advertise traditional pick-your-own vegetables for the general public, seasonal produce is sold directly from the farm shop, and a vegetable subscription (Pergola association) offers weekly harvest shares from May until Christmas.
The farm shop and flower garden are open from late April through October: on Wednesdays from 11:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00. Payment can be made by cash, debit card, or credit card. The farm is closed on all other days. The garden is wheelchair accessible and contactless mobile payments are accepted.
In addition to retail sales, the farm offers guided tours year-round for groups up to 40 people, hosts team-building events and outdoor cooking workshops, and provides a restorative day program for individuals recovering from burnout or seeking work reintegration. The restored historic lean-to greenhouse, completed in 2022, now serves as a warm workspace for volunteers and care participants during the colder months. The farm works in partnership with the Stichting Historische Moestuinen Landgoed Amelisweerd, which oversees the cultural heritage of the site.
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.

