Gorgeous gardens of Keukenhof


Keukenhof GardensHolland

In 1949, the mayor of Lisse along with some leading bulb exporters and flower growers created an open air flower exhibition on today's site of Keukenhof Park.
Keukenhof literally means 'kitchen garden' and was so named because it was the herb garden outside the castle kitchen of Jacoba van Beieren. Keukenhof has not always been the center of the tulip industry that it is today. The cultivation of flowers in the area dates back to the 15th century when much of the present day site was a garden belonging to the estate of the castle Slot Teylingen.
The residents of the castle grew fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers in their gardens, giving it the name Keukenhof (kitchen garden).Amidst the flowers there are exquisite pieces of sculpture and other works of art to admire. En route to Keukenhof you'll drive through the beautiful Dutch countryside, passing vibrant tulip fields along the way. There are several restaurants within the park or you're welcome to bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the many benches and picnic spots.

The historical garden is one of the most striking Keukenhof attractions. An oasis that lives and breathes the atmosphere of a historic castle garden. Various collections of historical spring bulbs and tuberous plants are on display, including old tulip varieties from the Hortus Bulborum and 17th-century daffodils. Species that were sometimes cultivated for hundreds of years and are now almost impossible to buy. It is an unknown fact that, in early spring, this is also the warmest spot in Keukenhof, on the benches lining the slate wall.



The round shapes of the garden design repeat themselves in the planting. The circular pink border with tulips, hyacinths and anemones is surrounded by delicate white flower bulbs. Enchanting findings reflect the nostalgic beauty. Escape the hectic of today and dream away in this romantic garden.


Each year over 7,000,000 bulbs are hand-planted to create the world's largest flower garden in the small town of Lisse (about 15 miles south of Amsterdam in the Netherlands).

The mere mention of Keukenhof makes the hearts of gardeners (such as me) skip a beat.

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