Floriade | European Holiday and River Cruising Memoirs

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Amsterdam, Australia, Ditty, Double Peach Blossum, Floriade, Hainaut, Jazz, Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherland, Nick Lucas

Double Peach Blossom Tulip

Tulips blossom

birds sing;

Keukenhof’s pretty magical every spring

With petals delicate,

And colours bright

There’s always so much to delight

For all who visit

These flowers incite

A “joy de verve”… AND spirit light.

Playing with rhyme – A Ditty: KidazzleInk, 2013 (Inspired by a recent visit to Keukenhof in Spring).

More Colourful Peach Blossums

Every year from around late March to mid May the Internationally acclaimed Keukenhof Gardens burst into their kaleidoscope of spring colour, with millions of tulip flowers, themed pavilions, fun family activities, musical events and a grand manifesto of different exhibitions. International visitors flock to these gardens from all around the world to visit the colourful floral displays and spectacular array of other activities on offer, which at different times have included Cultural Tributes, Folkloric Groups, Bird Exhibits, Easter Fun and lots more.

Red Tulips

I’m told Keukenhof has now been opening to the public every year for just over sixty years. It was first established way back in 1949 and is believed to be the biggest garden in the world.

Being located in Southern Holland near the small town of Lisse, it is only a short journey of just under an hour from Amsterdam. The garden was created on what was once a 15th Century hunting ground. Back then it also provided a source of herbs for the gracious Countess Jacqueline who lived at nearby Hainaut’s Castle. Today this same Castle is known as the Keukenhof Castle and it too is open to public at different times.

Keukenhof on a Wet Day

My dearly beloved and I travelled out to see the garden on a very bright and colourful, flower themed “tulip bus” that conveniently left right from the centre of Amsterdam.

Despite the chilly, wet weather that day, I totally enjoyed the whole experience. Mind you, my dearly beloved was probably not quite as enthusiastic as I was! But even he showed some amazement at the enormous variety of tulips on display. I absolutely loved the Double Peach blossoms. Everyone back here in Australia is amazed that they actually belong to the tulip family as they look more like a delicate rose!

Red and White Tulips

Oh and I must say dearly beloved, seemed quite taken by the dark velvety richness of the Black Tulip.

As you can see, I took sooo many photos. And I could truly have taken a whole lot more had it been a nice sunny day. I would have liked to have been able to photograph more of the outdoor garden as well, but never mind.

Pink Tulips

It was fabulous and I know I’ll go back again one day. I’ve already started planning on a visit for Floriade (another Netherland’s spectacular) in 2022! Yes I know it’s some way off but I’m learning it pays to plan ahead! Takes my mind of the more mundane things in life!!