Keukenhof

What an amazing place. I when a just the right time to see all the flowers. This years (2010) theme was Russa. I spent a better part of the day just wandering among the flowers.

What an amazing place. I when a just the right time to see all the flowers. This years (2010) theme was Russa. I spent a better part of the day just wandering among the flowers.

This was an amazing garden. I believe this was originally the estate of a dutchess and the keukenhof I believe means something like garden off of the kitchen. You’ll notice that throughout the Netherlands that the elm trees are all about 30 meters apart and the same in this wonderful place.

As others here can attest, there are all shapes, sizes and colours of tulips. There are many other flowers and shrubbery. It is well laid out and the first thing when you enter you view a sea of tulips and it gives the illusion like it’s as far as your eye can see. When I went there a few years back, they had different gardens. A completely white garden with sculpted boxus. Also Rhododendrons that were probably 15 feet tall. We can barely grow them here, so it was absolutely enchanting. There is a large pond and they have swans and other waterfowl that come right up to you. If you know someone, have them visit with you as they will likely enjoy watching your sense of amazement and you will definitely enjoy the surroundings – especially if you are a gardener.

They have also a display of wooden shoes and a huge wooden shoe that you can sit in. Also there is a pipeorgan that plays.

If you go to the Netherlands (Holland is actually the province where the Keukenhof is) this is a must see. Parking is a little insane, but well worth the admission etc.

If you are wanting to bring bulbs back, get them at the airport as I’m pretty sure they would have th phytosensitive certificates. Which clears them through customs in almost all countries.

If you don’t drive you can take the bus out from Amsterdam for a half day or full day tour. The half day was plenty of time to see all the groovy flowers. My fave were the frilly tulips.

Definitely go here during the tulip blooming season. You will see tulips you didn’t even know existed. A beautiful place to walk, too.