The Dutch translation of the phrase “Keukenhof” is “kitchen garden,” alluding to the herbs that were once picked there for the castle kitchen. The Netherlands’ Keukenhof Gardens, which are situated in Lisse, are known for their tulips. It also goes by the name “Garden of Europe.” ’
1. Keukenhof Gardens was founded by a group of people involved in the flower business
In the 1400s, Keukenhof was mostly used as a hunting ground. At that time, the area where the gardens now stand was used to grow fruits and vegetables. In 1949, Keukenhof welcomed visitors for the first time. The mayor of Lisse took the initiative. Unexpectedly, 263,000 people showed up to witness the event, making it a success.
In order to promote their goods and aid the export sector, a group of the bulb and flower exporters founded it. Count Carel De Gaaf van Lynden’s charity foundation oversees its operations.
2. Conceived by Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt
Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt, the estate’s proprietors at the time, hired Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, both of whom were involved in the design of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark, to redesign the park and gardens surrounding the castle. This work was completed in 1857. These English-style parks continue to serve as the gardens’ building blocks.
The plan was to host a flower exhibition where producers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could display their hybrids and promote Dutch exports (the country is the largest exporter of flowers in the world).
3. It is the world’s largest flower garden
With an estimated seven million bulbs and 800 different species of tulips spread across an area of 32 hectares, Keukenhof is regarded as the greatest flower garden on Earth (79 acres). Along with the roomy 32 hectares (79 acres) of flowers, there are also amazing flower exhibitions, startling-inspired gardens, one-of-a-kind works of art, and lovely activities to take in.
It offers a chance for Dutch flower businesses to sell themselves. The largest exhibition venue for the Dutch flower business is Keukenhof. Each year, 7 million spring-blooming flower bulbs are planted by 100 different businesses. Through Keukenhof, these businesses display their top goods. It resembles a dynamic catalog.
It has a wide variety of flowers and garden designs so that every visitor can discover something that piques their interest. One can also take pleasure in the winding walks and unexpectedly exposing places found inside Keukenhof Garden, which are similar to those seen in English landscapes and formal gardens.
4. Opens for just eight weeks a year
Keukenhof is only accessible for eight weeks out of the year, from mid-March to mid-May, with the best time to see the flowers being in the middle of April. And throughout that period, received about a million guests.
The exhibitors who take part in the decoration at this time are from about 90 Dutch manufacturers. Every maker is given a specific space for embellishment.
Different floral arrangements in each of these spaces make sure that no corner is the same as another. One of the top tourist destinations in the Netherlands, Keukenhof welcomes over 800 000 tourists every year.
5. The World’s Biggest Lily Show is held there
It is also the location of the biggest lily display in the world, in addition to being famed for tulips. In the final 10 days of the inaugural season. The greatest flowers grown by exhibitors compete at Keukenhof for prizes like tulip awards and rose awards.
The genus of perennial flowers known as tulips, which also serves as the national flower of the Netherlands, is represented by more than 800 different types at Keukenhof. The gardens also feature the colorful products of 100 Royal Suppliers, who provide their best selections of spring flowering bulbs for the park’s exhibition.
Every year, Keukenhof Gardens features a stunning array of flowering bulbs in addition to modern sculptures and other creations by regional artists throughout the open season.
6. Every year, the event is distinguished by a unique theme
Keukenhof chooses a different theme for the celebration each year. Sixty thousand tulips and muscaris were used to create a 13 by 23 meters mosaic in 2014, for instance, which had the subject of Holland. The year 2015’s theme was Vincent van Gogh. The 13 by 23-meter-long Van Gogh mosaic was made from around 60,000 tulips and Muscari bulbs.
The Golden Era was Keukenhof’s 2016 special theme. The Netherlands experienced a golden age of trade, the arts, and the sciences during this time in the 17th century. It was also a time when the tulip trade flourished, making it ideal for these unique gardens. Be on the lookout for unique flower arrangements inspired by the Golden Era.
The most well-known gardens in Keukenhof are the renowned tulip gardens, although there are also other themed gardens with various blooms. There are seven motivational gardens, each with a different theme. Also, there are natural gardens, English landscape gardens, Japanese gardens, and historic gardens.
7. The flowers grow in three months
The 7 million bulbs that over 100 growers contributed to the park are planted each fall by 40 gardeners. They are employed year-round. Beginning in early October, planting is often finished in early December.
For the eight weeks that the park will be open, the flowerbeds are timed to correspond with the various bulb flowerings. Three bulbs are positioned in each area to guarantee ongoing bloom. For three weeks, the shallowest bulb will initially blossom, then the deeper layers.
8. A competition for flowers is also held
The greatest flowers grown by exhibitors compete at Keukenhof for prizes like tulip awards and rose awards.
9. Named after the Netherlands royal family are the pavilions
The various pavilions at Keukenhof that hold the flower displays are all given names of the Dutch Royal Family.
10. Moreover, it has a number of other gardens
Keukenhof includes a range of other gardens in addition to the tulip gardens. The English landscape garden has unexpected see-through vistas and twisting paths. Archival variations are available in the history’s walled area.
In the Nature Garden, bulb plants are blended with shrubs and perennials. A unique garden in a natural setting is the Japanese Country Garden. Rotating exhibits and flower exhibits are housed in four pavilions.
