De Historische Groentehof, Beesel (L)
The Forgotten Vegetables farm in Beesel, the Netherlands
The farm
A vegetable garden might seem an unusual location for a BoerenBed Farm as it isn’t a farm in the traditional sense of the word and is also much smaller in size, nonetheless it turns out to be a very interesting destination. It is located in rural Limburg, near the river "Maas" in a not very dutch (i.e. not flat) landscape. The forgotten vegetables farm, "Groentehof" in dutch, is essentially a large garden in which ancient vegetables, herbs and fruit are grown. Many of these have long since disappeared from our tables, but they will have figured heavily in the diets of our ancestors. The farm grows more than 200 different vegetables, including such exotic sounding varieties as cardoon, oyster plant or white salsify, jerusalem artichoke and goatbeard. The garden is very seasonal, in spring they are planted and the best harvests are from July onwards.
Groentehof playarea
a large paddock has been cleared close to the forest’s edge where children can take a pig for a walk or stroke the small farm animals. In the summer months there is a paddling pool in the paddock and the
farm also boasts a large mountain of sand to play on as well as an area where you can build your own den in the woods.
The Tents
are located within the historical 
garden and all have unique views over the Maas Valley.
Your hosts
Jac Nijskens and Sjannie Dobbelsteen and their son, Cas, run the garden, cultivating ancient vegetables and herbs. Jac studied farming methods at the Dutch Agricultural College and, after a spell working for the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, he was able to take over his parent’s company and create the Historic Vegetable Garden and Cooking Farm. “The BoerenBed Farm concept fits in perfectly with my business ”, says Jac, “ because it takes into account our food culture while teaching us about old-fashioned values. We have tried to imitate the convivial atmosphere of a farm of the 1930’s, an open and welcoming place where chickens roam freely 
around the coop and everyone can collect their own eggs”.
Pets allowed
Pets are permitted, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
The farm surroundings
The surrounding countryside is ideal for walking and cycling. From the village centre you can start a marked walking track. 10km from the farm you will find the National Park "De Meinweg" on the dutch- german border. For a cultural outing, you can visit the historic towns of Venlo and Roermond or cross the German border to Düsseldorf, which is only 60 km away.
The farm's activities
Apart from the wonderful garden, Jac also runs a professional cooking-academy, where groups of a minimum of 8 people can take cooking classes. Obviously there is a lot of work to be done every day 
in the garden, which you can help out with as much as you like. Jac will always tell you which crops are ready for you to be harvested, which means that you can have dinner with the produce you picked yourself the same day.
Unique to the farm
On a small tributary of the river Maas farmer Jac has a little boat which can be used by guests free of charge. If Farmer Jac is feeling in a good mood (which he usually is) he will take the children off in his 4x4 for exciting adventures down secret paths and mysterious lanes.
Cooking activities
The Groentehof organises cooking courses for groups of a minimum of 8 people. There are four purpose-built cooking demonstration areas in the vegetable garden and full use is made of the fabulous vegetables and herbs grown here. How about some medieval cabbage rolls, fried brassica or jerusalem artichoke soup? All manner of weird and wonderful dishes will be revealed to you! Special arrangements can be made for group bookings.
