OpstapmetLisa went on a Westland Safari!

Sometimes we as OpstapmetLisa get asked to try out fun outings. For example, on May 27 we got to go on Westland Safari! What is that? Well, that’s a unique look at the Westland greenhouses in a real safari bus. Only without mosquito spray, because you don’t need it for this ;-).

Proud of the Westland

The Westland Safari was conceived by Dr. Green, the largest grower of Aloe vera in Europe. They thought the Westland could do with a little more attention. Especially since the greenhouse area is enormously important for the export of vegetables, fruits and flowers to the rest of the world. They should be proud of that! Over the centuries, greenhouse horticulture has also innovated enormously. Less and less is done by hand and more is done by computer, but horticulture is also becoming more and more sustainable. In addition, very beautiful products come from the Westland. OpstapmetLisa is located just about next to the Westland, but actually we knew very little about greenhouse farming. So the Westland Safari was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the area!

On Westland Safari!

At 9:00 am we were expected at The Vinyard in Monster where we were welcomed with coffee, tea and some goodies. The Vinyard used to be a theme park around the Westland wine grape. It was run almost entirely by volunteers. Unfortunately, at one point it was no longer viable and the company went out of business. Now a cozy restaurant has been created on this site and you can still take tours and learn more about the Westland wine grape. Very nice and definitely worth a visit. The company was quite mixed, young and old participated in the Westland Safari. Most of those interested came from Westland themselves or had lived there in the past. But in previous safaris even people from Limburg joined in! At 9:15 a.m. it was time to board the bus.

Just like a real safari

Our bus had been converted into a safari bus with those cloths that you can put up and down for when the weather is a little less. The bus was completely full! We were accompanied by a guide who told us all kinds of things about Westland along the way. Among other things, she told us about all the innovative inventions in Westland. There are roads that store heat so that they don’t freeze in the winter, there are all kinds of ways to generate energy and the greenhouses are also full of innovations. Some Westland companies are leading the way when it comes to innovations, such as Koppert Cress, where they grow small flavorful crops that are even used in celebrity kitchens.

Dr. Green, the Westland’s aloe vera grower

Our first stop was Dr. Green. This is where Aloe vera is grown, where the group was divided into two. One group went with owner Freek for a tour of the greenhouses and the other group went to make Aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is, in fact, a medicinal plant. By making gel from the leaves, you can use it as body lotion. The gel is good against sunburn, eczema, abrasions, scars such as stretch marks, can be used perfectly against diaper rash and is a wonderful hair mask. Especially if you mix it with coconut oil and jojoba oil. Making the gel is very simple. You cut a leaf from an Aloe vera plant, cut it open and with a spoon you extract the translucent gel. You put this in a blender. The resulting white substance can be used immediately. It may feel a little crazy, but it absorbs very quickly. You can keep the gel in the refrigerator for several days, but you can also freeze it in an ice cube tray.

Innovations in the greenhouse

The Aloe vera nursery itself is also very interesting. We were told how cuttings from the plant are grown up and how the temperature is regulated in the greenhouse. Freek also told us how they deal with pests. For example, much less chemical pesticides are used than in the past. Nowadays biological means are used such as other insects that eat the harmful insects. Better for the plant, better for the environment and ultimately for humans. Because the greenhouse is in operation, so also during the Westland Safari, it is extra fun. Children’s parties are also held. For example, kids learn to make slime with Aloe vera gel. Super fun! Spinach and beet powder is used as dye.

Fruits and vegetables on the go

The tour lasted a total of one hour. Then it was time to explore the Westland further by bus. Along the way, the guide told us all kinds of things about Westland and also showed us where you can buy delicious and super-fresh Westland products. Perfect for a weekend outing. Enjoy riding your bike around Westland and buying the most beautiful and fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers for a nice price along the way. Some companies have a stall, others have a vending machine and at some companies you can go into the greenhouse itself. You just have to know where to look, but on this website some tips.

Tomato grower De Bakker

Our second stop was at Tomato Nursery De Bakker in Kwintsheul. Among other things, they are known for Bakkie Fietsen, a super fun outing with family, friends or with your work. You then cycle past various locations in the Westland region with a wooden bakkie at the front, which at the end of the ride is completely filled with delicious local produce. We also got a tour of the greenhouse here. In the greenhouse more than 7,000 bumblebees (they call them “workers”) fly around pollinating the tomato blossoms. The bumblebees came to say hello, so that was quite exciting for some people. Really interesting also how, in addition to the bumblebees, they use the other insects to control pests and make the job easier. And again without using chemicals.

Also go on Westland Safari

Afterwards, we also received a bag full of Westland products including a cutting of an Aloe vera plant. We are going to do our best to grow that one up! Would you like to go on Westland Safari yourself? Throughout the summer and fall break you can join the bus on Wednesday mornings. Reserve your spot via this website. Are you inspired and would you like to start your own vegetable garden on a piece of land in Westland? You can do so at Ons Kastuintje in Kwintsheul.

Photos: OpstapmetLisa