Are you on holiday in Friesland, and especially in the region around Wolvega, and looking for a fun and sustainable outing for the whole family? Then Fruithof de Struikrover in Oldeholtpade is an absolute must. Fruit farmer Ruben shows you how organic fruit growing works, you can go into the field yourself as a picker and meanwhile you will learn, taste and relax in his beautiful edible garden. In short, an outing that totally fits on your greener list.
This is what you can expect in the picking garden of Fruithof de Struikrover
When we were there - in September - it really was harvest time. From figs to grapes, buckthorn to pumpkins: all sorts of things grow at the Shrubber. Yellow courgettes, apples, kale and aubergines were also plentiful. In other seasons, you also come across blackberries, currants, raspberries and elderflower. And the best part: everything is 100% organic. No artificial fertilisers, no pesticides, but plenty of attention to the soil and nature. You pick with a tray (you pay per tray), and children are welcome to join you in the garden. Extra tip: climb the watchtower on the premises. From there you can see just how big and diverse the garden is and where it is best to start picking.
Picking fruit as a mindfulness exercise
What makes this place extra special? Ruben built the whole garden single-handedly, without any big investors. As soon as he had saved some money, a new plant or shrub was added. So the garden grew slowly, in the rhythm of the seasons. He accepts that an organic garden does not always go according to plan; after all, nature does what it wants. Sometimes cherries don't work, sometimes there is a sudden plague of caterpillars or the berries have already been eaten by birds. But for Ruben, that's all part of the game. Not intervening, but moving with nature: that is his starting point.
Looking for a picking garden in Friesland? Fruithof de Struikrover near Wolvega in East Friesland is a gem.
And that is also what he gives you as a visitor. Go and pick, he says, and take your time. Slow down, engage your senses and look for what is ripe and tasty. Go on, pick something from the tree to taste it for yourself. Ruben wants you to experience that picking fruit can be a form of mindfulness. So who knows, you might not only learn something about fruit, but also about yourself.
Plan your visit to the Fruithof the Struikrover
The Fruithof is open every Saturday from 9am to 5pm for picking and selling cuttings, bushes, seeds and plants. During the picking season, you can also drop by on Wednesdays and Fridays to harvest your own fruit and vegetables. There is a small shop selling home-made jams, elderflower syrup and other fresh home-grown produce.
You will find the garden in Oldeholtpade, past De Striepe primary school and just after the gymnasium. Current opening hours can be found at on the website.
Wolvega restaurant tip: taste the Harvest of the Shrubber at Smink
Near the Fruithof you will find Restaurant Smink in Wolvega, a Michelin-starred culinary gem. Chef Marco Smink cooks with love for the seasons and the region, and regularly gets fresh ingredients from Ruben's picking garden. How nice is it to see for yourself where your food comes from in the morning, and that same evening to sit down to a special dinner with the same fruit and vegetables on your plate?
More Friesland tips
- Also see: Your travel guide for a sustainable day out in Leeuwarden.
- Also see: itinerary for a weekend in northwest Friesland.
- Also see: A road trip through Friesland.
Photo credits: thegreenlist.nl.
