Keukenhof Tulip Gardens 2010

Keukenhof Gardens

The Netherlands is known for tulips and every spring, millions of garden tourists travel to the biggest tulip garden in the world – Keukenhof Gardens.

Situated in the middle of South Holland’s tulip fields, in the town of Lisse, Kuekenhof is a magical place for garden lovers. Over 7 million flower bulbs bloom every spring, in the park. Although it is only open from the end of March to the end of May, the Keukenhof has seen 44 million visitors in its 60 years.

Two of those 44 million guests have been Andrew and I. We’ve visited Keukenhof every year, for the past 6 years. And every year has brought something different and special.

The tulip is easily one of my favourite flowers. Every year, I am blown away by just how many shapes, sizes, colours, and patterns it comes in. As blub growers continue to transform this amazing plant into new varieties, I am always surprised by what they manage to come up with next.

Tulipa 'Talitha'

Single Late Tulip 'Flaming Club'

But Keukenhof isn’t just tulips. In many ways, Keukenhof defies description. It’s something you need to see to believe. Yes, it’s the world’s largest spring bulb garden. But it’s also so much more.

The name Keukenhof comes from its traditional roots as a kitchen garden. There is still a formal herb garden on site. There is also a maze and children’s area. There’s an orchid house and a floral design display. There are water gardens and woodland gardens. There’s even a traditional Dutch windmill with views overlooking the surrounding bulb fields.

Lilium 'Push Off' Lily

Phalaenopsis Orchid 'Phalubein' Anthura

Windmill overlooking the bulb fields of South Holland

It's all in the details.

Kuekenhof Gardens, Lisse, The Netherlands

One of my favorite areas of Keukenhof every year is the Inspiration Gardens. These are small display gardens set up by different designers and garden centres to show different trends in garden design. There are always some unique ideas.

Using preserves in a retaining wall

Designing with garden trugs

Bring the indoors out

From Russia With Love - This year's theme

Even if you aren’t mad about flowers, you can’t help but enjoy the incredible sights and colours of the Keukenhof.

Have you been to the Keukenhof? What was you favourite part. Leave your comments below.