Keukenhof Garden in South Holland Lisse, Netherlands

The Garden of Europe

In April 2018, Herb and I got the opportunity to visit the Keukenhof Garden. Tulips have always been part of my Dutch heritage so it had a personal meaning for me to be able to see the garden in person. It was overwhelming to say the least and an unforgettable experience.

As we entered the garden, we were met with a vast display of not only tulips but also hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, irises, lilies, and many other flowers. All the flowers were in full bloom and it just seemed like the most beautiful place on Earth. The smells were abundant, the colors were vibrant, and the displays were like visual poetry as we made our way through the garden.

Opened in 1949, the Keukenhof Garden is a one of a kind. With nearly 80-acres and more than 7,000,000 bulbs planted each Fall, it does not disappoint. There are over 800 varieties of tulips alone. The garden is mapped out with unique garden displays, 10-miles of trails and walking paths, beautiful ponds and canals throughout the garden, a variety of restaurants, and if the flowers aren’t enough, the flower park has the largest statue garden in the Netherlands made by national and international artists. This garden would not be possible if it wasn’t for the over one hundred flower bulb growers sharing their best range of flowers with the rest of the world.

Since it is only open two months out of the year from late March to late May, the opportunity to experience this beauty is very limited. Despite its limited schedule, more than a million visitors make their way through the garden during the short two months.