Tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

Flower Power at the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland

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Coming to the Netherlands in spring, I expected to see tulips everywhere and I was not disappointed. The biggest display however is at the Keukenhof (which translates to Kitchen Garden), the second biggest flower garden in the world; and also known as the Garden of Europe.

The garden opens during only eight weeks every year, from mid-March to Mid-May. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to see this colourful extravaganza. According to the official site, 7 million tulips are planted yearly in the 32 hectares of the park; plus they also hold exhibits of other flower varieties.

Tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

Tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

Back in the day, the garden was used to provide for herbs for a nearby castle, hence the name Keukenhof. In 1949, the garden was established as a flower exhibit to promote the Dutch flower industry. By the way, did you know that the Netherlands is the biggest world exporter of flowers?

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Tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

At the Keukenhof, flowers are arranged in different gardens, each with their own particular style. I was really impressed by the sheer variety of tulips there is, I never thought they’d exist so many different kinds! It is said that the best time to see the flowers is in mid-April when they’re in full bloom.

An afternoon at the Keukenhof, Holland

An afternoon at the Keukenhof, Holland

This year was a bit different, however. It turns out that March was exceptionally warm and the tulips bloomed earlier than usual. So by the time I visited, in early May, the tulip fields near the Keukenhof, which are usually full of flowers this time of the year, were totally empty. That was my only disappointment during my visit.

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Tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

The empty tulip fields near the Keukenhof, Holland

Thankfully, I quickly forgot about that when I enter into the orchid exhibition. What an amazing display of colours and shapes! I love orchids and take any opportunity to admire them. It was a really impressive collection, with some varieties that I had never seen before, like these green orchids below.

Orchids at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

Me & tulips at the Keukenhof 2014 in the Netherlands

Overall, I had a really nice time at the Keukenhof. I was lucky with the weather and enjoyed a gorgeous day outside taking photos of beautiful flowers in good company. If you’re in the Netherlands, you still have a few days to visit before the garden closes for the season. The Keukenhof remains open until next Sunday, May 18th; so hurry up! For more information and to plan your visit, go to their website.

And if you still feel like looking at more flower photos, have a look at my gallery.

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Do you like to visit flower gardens when you travel? Which one is your favourite and why? Leave a comment, I’d love to know!

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640 425 Bianca Bauza

Bianca Bauza

Bianca Bauza is a world citizen who spent almost four years traveling around South America and Europe. Her passions include photography, street art, outdoor sports, and cooking exotic dishes. She's now based in the Netherlands where she lives with her partner and young daughter. She still enjoys traveling, on her own or with her family, and is always looking for an opportunity to see new places.

All stories by : Bianca Bauza
4 Comments
  • So pretty! This is definitely a place I want to visit someday!

    • Thanks, Amanda! The Keukenhof gardens are pretty impressive :) You wouldn’t believe that there exist so many different varieties of beautiful tulips!

  • Beautiful photo’s. I pinned them to share with all Holland lovers :) Hope to meet you some time in Holland.

    • Thanks, Esther! It’s nice of you to share :) It’d be lovely to meet now that I’ll be based in Holland for a while. Let’s get in touch!

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