Kaleidoscopic Keukenhof

Located south of Amsterdam is a small town of Lisse. You might not have even heard of this town name likely because of the prominence that the name Keukenhof has gained. People often tend to think Keukenhof is indeed the name of the city/town.

You may have already gained a perspective of what this place is about from the picture. Yes, its a garden (specifically Tulip Garden). It is also fondly known as "Garden of Europe". It's 79 acres according to official website. If you are a floriculturist then this place is nothing less than heaven. For those who arent you will still share the same feeling may be with less intensity - LOL :)

The pavilion is permeated with Tulips (mostly) in stellar colors (including black) portraying a kaleidoscopic view of the place. The garden also has other variety of blossoms (narcissi and daffodils, hyacinths, bluebells...) nestled in between the Tulip formation makes it even more dramatic.

Things to know -

• Tulip is a seasonal flower and  so is the garden open for viewing (mid March and runs through May every year). The opening dates vary though.
• Every weekend during the garden season, there are events for visitors of all age. I believe there is also a parade during one of those weekends which is a delight to watch.
• You can take a bike ride or boat ride from Keukenhof to enjoy the surrounding tulip fields.
• The castle ground is probably open all year round. Although not sure how that might interest anyone.
• Tulip needs a perfect combination of weather to sustain. If in case the weather is wilting, they do replant in order to keep the show going.
• You can easily spend half of your day. Oh, don't forget to take your camera's with extra memory stick for those overflowing pictures.

I and my husband first passed by Keukenhof sometime mid February (2004). The field was still covered in snow and the place actually was a lackluster. We visited back again end of April and I couldn't trust my very own eyes if it was indeed the same place. In a matter of few weeks the entire vicinity had transformed.

Here in North-West (Seattle area), we have a similar tulip show around the same time frame April to May. Although I don't visit our Tulip Fest every year, but it does help me keep my memories fresh from those yester years when I first actually saw real tulips in Keukenhof.

Info Courtesy:

Skagit Valley tulip Fest:      http://www.tulipfestival.org/

Keukenhof Netherland:        http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/#now-in-the-park