'Keukenhof' means 'kitchen garden' and this is what this amazing garden in the heart of the Netherlands was back in the 15th century. Today, it is one of Holland's major attractions during the months from March to May when its spectacular array of flowers blooms.
The estate on which this garden is situated originally belonged to the Countess Jacqueline of Wittelsbach who used the land for hunting and for the gathering of herbs. It was only in 1949 that the first open-air flower exhibition was held and this year the gardens are celebrating their 60th anniversary.
Keukenhof is open to the public from March 19 to May 21. It is situated close to the town of Lisse, south of Haarlem. Its landscaped flower-beds span 80 acres and are a feast for the eyes. Flower-lovers and photographers alike revel in the stunning display of different varieties of crocuses, daffodils and tulips. Seats among the trees offer a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the place, while restaurants and coffee shops can be found in strategic locations.
Apart from the flower displays, the garden offers a variety of other attractions. Keukenhof is also Holland's largest sculpture garden and displays more than 100 sculptures by renowned Dutch artists. Several pavilions are dedicated to painting and photographic exhibitions, and a hothouse to orchids of different kinds.
You can also take a boat trip that will take you through the fields of blooming flowers, while a climb into the windmill at the far end of the park affords a breathtaking view of the tulip fields just outside the garden. Children can see a number of farm animals, including goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens, at close quarters in the mini-farm which is one of the favorite attractions.
Apart from celebrating its 60th birthday, Keukenhof is also commemorating the 400-year-old USA-Holland connection. In 1606, Henry Hudson founded New Amsterdam which later became known as New York. Keukenhof is displaying a flower mosaic of the Statue of Liberty which was created using more than 25,000 bulbs. There is also an American-themed route and a garden landscaped in the American style.
Keukenhof opens daily from 08.00 to 19.30 and the ticket office closes at 18.00. For more information go to www.keukenhof.nl. To book your holiday in the Netherlands at unbeatable prices, go to http://mundoideal.traverustravel.com
Keep your eye on this post for a video of this year's flower display at Keukenhof.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment