Tuinpark Laakzijde in Amersfoort is a community garden where visitors can pick their own vegetables, herbs and flowers during the growing season. The park is home to several initiatives, including a food forest, a vegetable garden run by a social enterprise, and a communal allotment association.
The food forest allows limited foraging of seasonal produce, while the vegetable garden offers self-harvest subscriptions for members. Visitors can also pick flowers and herbs in designated areas. The park operates on an ecological basis, with no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers used.
The farm is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10.00 to 16.30, from spring to autumn. A small tea house serves drinks and light meals made with produce from the garden. There are also workshops, seasonal festivals and educational activities for children and adults, focusing on gardening, nature and traditional crafts.
The park is wheelchair-accessible, with accessible parking and entrances. It is run by volunteers and local organisations, with some spaces available for community use. Prices vary depending on the activity or produce.
What visitors say
Visitors pick seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers straight from the fields, often on a weekly subscription basis. The produce is fresh and unsprayed, with some crops you may not recognise—helpful instructions in the harvest emails explain how to pick them. Children enjoy watching the plants grow and joining in, though a few parents note that dogs are allowed, which they find unhygienic.
The farm is well-kept and still developing, with a relaxed, community feel. Most find the staff and volunteers friendly and willing to explain things, though one visitor called the restaurant service fake and disappointing. Parking is limited, so some arrive by bike or on foot. The café serves coffee and tea, though opening hours can be short. A few mention the layout is initially confusing, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a pleasant outing.