Keukenhof, the largest flower show in the world near Amsterdam

Half an hour from Amsterdam in the small town of Lisse, the splendid Keunkenhof park shall blossom each year in early spring for the sake of millions of visitors. A total of 32 hectares exposing the bulbous plant of the most beautiful flowers in the Netherlands: tulips (about 800 kinds), daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and orchids artistically arranged by talented landscape architects between streams, ponds, fountains, greenhouses and pavilions. A unique multicolored world show.

The Keukenhof gardens, an historical tradition

It is the 15th century that the name was given to Keunkenhof park which belonged to the Countess Jacqueline de Bavaria residing in a surrounding Castle (Castle Teylingen) and would come to pick up fruit and vegetables. The park and its adjoining lands were thus renamed Keukenhof (literally meaning “the kitchen’s garden”).

Later, in 1840, landscape architects and Zochter and sons, re-designed the park inspired by elegant English and French gardens styles.

Then, in 1949, brought by an association of flower producers, an innovative exhibition of bulbs and flowers was organized at Keukenhof. Following the success of this initiative, the famous exhibition opened to the public in 1950. The success was immediate and for 67 years onwards, the Keukenhof garden continues to makes world visitors dreaming.

Keukenhof, a magnificent garden at a global scale

Today Keukenhof aims to be a world reference in terms of horticulture and bulb growing. With a hundred of exhibitors, 500 flower growers, 20 flower shows and 9 gardens, it highlights 7 million flowers planted by hand according to specific plans devised the months ahead; a spectacle orchestrated around a different theme each year. The theme for Keukenhof 2016 is “The Golden Age”, a tribute to the economic boom of the Netherlands between late 16th century and early 18th century. On this occasion, several exhibitions will be presented, amongst others a mosaic of 250 square meters consisting of 100 000 flower bulbs near the Oranje Nassau Pavilion; this as well as an inspiration garden, a vegetable garden, a romantic garden, a vintage garden, a beach garden, a historic garden Delft blue garden and a garden dedicated to the famous Dutch gardener Rob Verlinden.

If you have the chance to visit Keukenhof garden, do not miss the incredible sculptures of flowers and the endless labyrinth.