Keukenhof, Dutch for “kitchen garden,” is among the world’s biggest and brightest flower gardens – and the subject of admiration and inspiration for bulb lovers around the world! Located in the the village of Lisse in the south of Holland, Keukenhof brings tourists from around to world to enjoy this growers’ showcase of flowers!
Keukenhof began in the 15th century as a literal kitchen garden – a spot where fresh fruits and vegetables were grown and harvested – for the castle of Count Jacqueline of Bavaria. In the 1850s, a landscape artist and his son were commissioned by Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt to build an “English garden,” or formal garden, to surround Keukenhof Castle. Later, a group of flower bulb experts requested the opportunity to showcase their wares in the garden – and, in 1949, the mayor of Lisse established Keukenhof as an exhibition area open to the public.
Today, flower growers and bulb exporters use Keukenhof to excite and inspire visitors, and to show off the beauty of their newest hybrids and classic favorites. Across nearly 80 acres of flowers, gardeners plan yearly exhibitions celebrating Dutch history, unique artwork, and, of course, Holland’s beloved tulips! More than 7 million types of bulbs are blooming this spring, with nearly 800 tulip varieties.
Walking through Keukenhof in spring, it’s hard not to want to try these bulb arrangements in one’s own yard – and we strive to send the best and brightest varieties home for our customers! We wish you could experience Keukenhof first hand – and you can! Enter to win our Trip of a Lifetime, and you and a guest could be visiting Keukenhof next spring!
