Finally, spring is almost here. What could give you that spring feeling more than the blooming fields of flowers and tulips in the Netherlands? Understandably, because it really is a beautiful picture. Yet you soon notice that the most famous flower and tulip fields in the Netherlands attract many visitors. But fair is fair: between the selfie sticks and full car parks, that sense of tranquillity sometimes quickly disappears. Fortunately, there is another way. Away from the crowds, in the middle of greenery, where you can enjoy flowers in bloom at your own pace.
In this blog, I share my favourite flower fields, tulip fields and picking gardens in the Netherlands where you can feel and experience spring.
1. Tulip picking at Pluck van het Veld - Den Bosch, North Brabant
Just outside Den Bosch, you will find the small-scale and local picking garden Pluck van het Veld. In November, they plant over 7,500 organic tulip bulbs here so that everything is ready to pick tulips in spring. Tip from me: do you live nearby and want to pick more often? Take a Pluckabonnement. You buy these online which allows you to pick five to 15 varieties of vegetables and fresh herbs every week. They also run various workshops such as how to pick and arrange a field bouquet. And, of course, the beautiful flower picking garden where you can have fun picking your own field bouquet from late May to mid-October.
2. Tulip fields at Nicolaashoeve Farm - De Beemster, North Holland
Anyone who thinks the Beemster is only known for cheese is wrong. At Farm Nicolaashoeve, you will discover tulip fields in an open polder landscape, far away from the well-known hotspots. Walk past the blooming tulip fields and look out over the North Holland countryside. Definitely don't leave without picking your own tulips. Tip: if you want to plant your own tulips at home, you can also buy tulip bulbs here and then plant them in your own garden at home, so you can experience the whole growing process at home. What makes this place extra special is the story behind it. Everything here is about craftsmanship. The Konijn family is busy harvesting the best tulips all year round. Farm Nicolaashoeve is a real family business that has been around since 1858. So you can safely say that they have been in the business for a long time and I find that very special myself.
Wist je dat? Tulpen kunnen nog een paar centimeter blijven groeien nadat je ze hebt geplukt? Bron: decorumplantsflowers.com
3. Picking flowers at Baalse Hoef Flower Farm - Baarle-Hertog, Belgium
Just across the Belgian border is Baalse Hoef, a flower farm where you can create your own bouquets in a natural environment. From April to October, you can go all out in the blooming fields. They don't use artificial fertilisers or chemical pesticides here. There is also always someone present who can give you advice on the different types of flowers such as sunflowers, cosmos or gypsophila. At the Baalse Hoef, you get the real spring feeling among the Flower Fields just across the border of the Netherlands.
4. Picking flowers at La Fleur picking garden - Goes and/0f Bergen op Zoom
Pluktuin La Fleur is located in a quiet spot in Goes, but is also accessible in Bergen op Zoom. As soon as you walk into the yard, it feels like you've landed in France for a moment. A large open field with flowers all growing together. In spring, tulips bloom here and later in the season you will find a colourful mix of summer flowers such as the Gladiolus or the Dahlia. If you are looking for picking gardens in the Netherlands that are not overcrowded, this is the place to be. You have all the freedom to put together your own bunch. At Pluktuin La Fleur, we have opted for self-service this means that you can go into the field and put together your own bouquet. And be sure to take home your self-picked bouquet.
Wist je dat? Tulpen in de gouden eeuw evenveel waard waren als een grachtenpand? Bron: decorumplantsflowers.com.
5. Seasonal flowers at GewoonBuiten - Rijsbergen, North Brabant
At GewoonBuiten you can pick flowers all day long. In spring, the most beautiful flowers bloom here, such as pansies and zinnias.The grounds are spacious and green, with plenty of room to walk around quietly. Ideal if you want to pick flowers away from the well-known routes. Tip: want to come several times to pick? Then buy a stamp card at the picking garden. With this, you can pick five bouquets. You can walk around and create your own bouquet. Come along on Wednesday afternoons or Saturday mornings when someone is there to help you with all their love.
6. Picking flowers at Vegetable Farmer's Garden - Kamerik, Utrecht
Tuinderij de Groenteboer does not have any tulip fields, but it does have a beautiful harvest garden where you can harvest your own vegetables and flowers. But that's not all they offer, they also have a beautiful organic flower picking garden so without pesticides, artificial fertilisers and with respect for nature. You can pick the flowers in the summer months from June to mid-September. You are given scissors and this is how you put together your own bouquet. Think wildflowers, sunflowers and dahlias. You can also harvest your own vegetables, herbs and berries here at the organic self-harvest garden. You can then harvest vegetables every week for about 32 weeks.
What do all these places have in common? They show that picking flowers and tulips can also be done quietly and on a small scale.
Hopefully, these tulip fields, flower fields and picking gardens in the Netherlands will inspire you to take a slightly different approach this spring. Away from the hustle and bustle, closer to nature. I say, from field to vase without haste.
Love,
Fenna
Most tulips bloom between late March and late April. Other flower fields follow later in the season, depending on the type of flower and the weather. For example, dahlias are at their most beautiful from July to October.
Flower fields are meant to be admired and photographed; these are often the fields on farmers’ land. In pick-your-own gardens, you can pick flowers yourself and put together a bouquet. We have so many flower fields in the Netherlands thanks to the perfect combination of a maritime climate and the ideal sandy, well-cultivated soil in the polders.
Are you curious about sustainable picking gardens in the Netherlands? Then read: 6x sustainable picking gardens in the Netherlands
No, you’re only allowed to pick tulips at special pick-your-own gardens. This isn’t permitted in regular flower fields to prevent damage. Tip: head to Boerderij Nicolaashoeve or Pluck van het Veld – these are special pick-your-own gardens where it is allowed.
Are you at Pluck van het Veld in Den Bosch and want a bite to eat right away? Then read: 4x the hippest restaurants in Den Bosch
Visit flower fields during the week or early in the day and opt for small-scale locations off the beaten track; head to the Baalse Hoef or Pluktuin La Fleur!
Would you also like to pick fruit instead of flowers? Then read our blog on fruit picking gardens: 10x fruit picking gardens in the Netherlands
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