I remember the first time I walked through the gates into Keukenhof ….it took my breath away! I felt like a child in a candy shop – which way would I go? - and then on the way turning because I saw something else that caught my eye.

Keukenof is ‘the’ place to be if you want to see millions of bulbs blooming in spring but hurry – it’s only open for a very short period of time - usually March to May.

A bit of history… Keukenhof used to be an area for hunting and for collecting herbs for the castle, hence the name Keukenhof. After the death of Jacoba van Beieren, Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt, the new owners, invited landscape architects J.D. and L.F. Zocher to create a garden around the castle. This garden, in the English landscape style, has always been the essence of Keukenhof. The estate now belongs to a corporation, and on the initiative of the Lisse mayor of that time and a number of leading flower bulb growers and exporters, an open air flower exhibition was organized for the first time in 1949. It has bloomed ever since with over seven million bulbs planted each fall for their show the following spring.

Tens of thousands of tulips and narcissi are also in flower in the different pavilions where various indoor flower shows are. Each show focuses on a particular product group – from amaryllis and hydrangeas, to narcissi, asters and lilies. There are also examples of garden, balcony and terrace planting. The different demonstrations, unique flower arrangements and striking use of materials will fill you with inspiring ideas that you can use at home.

Written by  Donna Dawson.

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