I never thought the day would come in my life that I would find myself surrounded by a thousand blooming tulips.
While I always knew that rainbow-carpeted flower farms exist somewhere in the world, I was pleasantly surprised at chancing upon it particularly this spring.
Keukenhof, the most beautiful spring garden in the world, is an international flower exhibition that happens each year at springtime, between March to May, in the beautiful suburb of Lisse in Holland. This year, their theme revolved around the enamoring prosperous time of the Dutch Golden Age. 17th century still-life paintings are considered as one of the highest expressions in the history of art, I was surprised to uncover that the rare-looking tulips and innumerable perennial blossoms on a variety of fascinating pieces from this age were actually existing types of tulip varieties back in the day. The “Tulip Craze,” as Dutch history called it, was brought about by their enchantment toward these flowering bulbs. I completely understood why as my husband and I entered the Keukenhof. They weren’t lying when it was said that Keukenhof is the most beautiful spring garden in the world.
As we continued to sigh and gasp at the romance and nostalgia that each and every corner of the park brings in to it’s over 800,000 guests all over the world, we couldn’t help but feel enraptured about how exceptionally high-priced these blooms once were. The Dutch interest in tulips spread across Europe and visitors in Holland was taken aback by its exotic and exceptional beauty. Some buyers were even willing to purchase not-yet-grown bulbs at a set price, granting the ability for tulips to be traded all year round.
Oh how wonderful it is to live at a time when these alluring bulbs all cluster in the Keukenhof every spring for all of us to enjoy, appreciate and adore. What a memorable moment it was to stroll along with my husband, enriching our senses with the abounding fragrances that will surely give anyone who visit a natural high.
According to the Keukenhof, each year, forty gardeners plant bulbs at reserved locations throughout the park. At the end of the season, these bulbs are harvested, and a new cycle of planting, blooming and harvesting begins again in the autumn. The flower bulbs are donated from the willingness of the hearts of approximately a hundred exhibitors who realize that the Keukenhof is a major platform for the floricultural sector to garner exposure. For the garden-obsessed, you’ll be pleased to discover that a new theme and design is implemented each year depending on the new trends that dominate in the flora and fauna industry. If flower shows are your thing, you’ll also be excited with the fact that aside from the gardens, special pavilions feature a changing selection of flower and plant shows. For interior designers, there are also well-known flower arrangers that showcase the different ways these blooms could accent the home. A bonus old-fashion Dutch windmill stands center stage as the main focal point which also has an elevated podium for those who would like a more heightened vista point to view the colorful fields nearby. I can’t think of anyone who wasn’ be entertained at the blooming “Tulpmania” spring spectacle of a garden here at the Keukenhof.
From its Golden Age, tulip trade continues to flourish to this day. Perhaps you’ll chance upon the paintings called Still Life with Flowers by Willem van Aelst or Vase of Flowers by Jan Davidsz de Heem and a wistful and sentimental yearning will lead you to visit Amsterdam in the spring. Take the opportunity to allow these Dutch paintings to truly come to life by visiting the Keukenhof. Tulip petals are silky, shaped by art and through its simplicity, expresses a meaning beyond its appearance. Let your life be like a full bouquet, so beautiful it radiates and permeates in brilliant and vivid color. If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, make sure to include some time to visit the Keukenhof. Your visit wouldn’t be complete without it!
Thanks to Keukenhof | Bezoekadres, Stationsweg 166A 2161 AM Lisse | +31 (0)252 465 555