| April 23, 2011 - 'Keukenhof' in the Netherlands, also known as the Garden of Europe, is the world's largest flower garden for over 50 years. It is filled with tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring bulbs. Facts & figures: Over 7 million flower bulbs are planted by hand every year in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares. It has 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties, and flower bulbs in more than 1600 different varieties. The bulbs are supplied by 91 Royal Warrant Holders. There are more than 2500 trees in 87 varieties. There are 15 kilometers of footpaths, 280 benches, 15 fountains and 32 bridges. There are 4 different indoor pavilions. Keukenhof is located near the small town of Lisse, between Amsterdam and The Hague. It is situated in an area called the "Dune and Bulb Region" (Duin- en Bollenstreek), a region that features coastal dunes and the cultivation of flower bulbs. Keukenhof is open annually from the last week in March to mid-May. The best time to view the tulips is around mid-April, depending on the weather. Tip: go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, there are less people. Where Keukenhof is situated now, was a hunting area in the 15th century. Herbs for the kitchen of the castle were also collected here; hence the name Keukenhof ("kitchen garden"). The garden was established in 1949 by the then-mayor of Lisse. The idea was to present a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrids ... |
