There are few places in the city where you can look a calf in the eye while stocking up on quince jelly for home. Fruit Garden of West, located on three islands on the edge of New West, is such a place. Founders Wil and Lisan Sturkenboom built a 16-acre biodynamic urban farm here, certified by both Skal and Demeter. That's not just a sticker: Demeter stands for the strictest biodynamic standards available.
The orchard is the heart of the business. More than 20 fruits grow there, from plums and pears to almonds, apricots, blueberries, blackcurrants and jostaberry. Visitors can pick their own, straight from the tree or bush. It sounds simple, but once you stand there among the rows, you notice how different it is from fruit from a bin at the supermarket. The Hereford cows run outside all year round: five cows with five calves, on the meadows that connect the islands. In addition, chickens, pigs, ducks and bees live on the property.
The garden cafe is all about what the farm makes itself. The homemade apple pie is a regular, and the onion chutney almost always goes home with you. Jammaker Geraldine processes the harvest into products like quince jelly, which you'll find in the organic store alongside cheese boards assembled on site. More than 20 fruits on 16 acres, in the middle of the city: that makes you think for a moment about what all fits between the Ring and the horizon. The view from the café, over the meadows and water, makes you forget the city for a moment.
More than 20 fruit varieties on 16 acres, in the middle of the city: that makes you think for a moment about what fits between the Ring and the horizon.
Fruit Garden of the West also hosts workshops and educational activities, and the grounds can be rented as a business meeting location. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:30 am to 6 pm. Take your time when you go: three islands, an orchard, a herd of cows and a garden cafe with homemade pie require more than half an hour.