22/03/2019
We become greatly excited when a new spring has arrived and the Keukenhof will soon be opening its doors. This world known, highly anticipated event only lasts for 6-8 weeks and then all those gorgeous colors disappear, the tulips and all other flowers die and the Keukenhof goes to rest for the next 10 months. This new newsletter should have been out a few weeks ago, however we lost one of our greatest tulip fans, a beautiful tulip in her own way, flower fanatic in general and a classy lady with a very green thumb, my mother in law.
We wanted to dedicate this February newsletter to her and her passion for the garden and everything that grows and gives color to live. Throughout the years she showed us how to foster that perfect relationship between human and plant life and she gave us the fight of her life for her own wellbeing.
Today is the day, Thursday the 21st that the Keukenhof has opened its doors. From today it will be open each day till May 19th….This is just 8 weeks and in these weeks about 1 million people will flood some 80 acres of perfectly ‘architectured’ flower fields, landscape and garden designs. They will have orchestrated a magical performance of nature, art and culture in an absolute magnificent setting. Due to the fact that exact blooming of the tulips, daffodils and Crocus is difficult to predict, most people will visit from the 2nd till the 7th week, when the probability of maximum exposure is at its peak.
Convinced that you are interested in visiting this year or next (maybe you booked), you probably want to take 6 or seven days to make your visit to Holland and the Keukenhof the most memorable possible. Of course you can do this in 2 o3 days, however if you planned it that way, we can assure you that the moment you finish these days, you already regretting itJ!....So 6 or 7 it is and as promised here a few suggestions of other “must do” events to explore when there:
1. Rembrandt and Keukenhof go hand in hand this year and a visit to see one of the most famous paintings ever put on canvas “De Nachtwacht”, is probably on top of my list. This painting you find in het Rijksmusem, which is practically in the center of Amsterdam.
2. In order to ‘disperse’ the absolute hectic traffic to and from the Keukenhof, there are multiple flower events being held in many villages around Lisse (actual home of the Keukenhof) and they are all unique in their own form or way. These are also great outings to see or visit active windmills and the incredible green pastures, waterways and Dutch engineering with all their levees.
3. Bloemen Corso or flower parade(www.holland.com and search it). As pointed out earlier, if you are familiar with the Rose Bowl Parade, then you will really appreciate this parade in Holland.
4. Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, largest covered warehouse/auction place in the world where all flowers are being auctioned and traded each day. Very impressive (www.royalfloraholland.com)
5. Another park that will bring a highlight to your trip is a visit to De Zaansche Schans. This is where you can visit active windmill, cheese maker and wooden shoe maker. It is just north of Amsterdam and while in the neighborhood, worth a visit.
Everything is relatively close in Holland, imagine this country only being one third the size of Florida. It has excellent public transportation and infra structure. Traffic though is, particular rush hour, a little challenging. By now you will have noticed that there is a lot to read, see and learn about the Keukenhof Gardens. In our March letter we will touch on the historic part of our Historic-Tulip Holland approach. As always, feel free to write, suggest, ask and engage at any time. Dutch say: Geniet ervan! (Enjoy!)
