Spring means flowers in the Netherlands and nowhere in the country is that more visible than the Keukenhof gardens. The world's largest flower field opens on 22 March, kicking off the season of rebirth with over seven million blossoming buds.
The Keukenhof is a former 15th century hunting ground, converted into a garden expanse in 1949. Since then it has been the iconic image of flowers in Holland, most notably the tulip. It is here that tulips grow in fields of rainbow colors, along canal waterways and with windmills watching over.
But Keukenhof doesn't just do tulips. Their famed gardens boast lilies, hyacinths, orchids, azaleas, and many more. The skilled growers here are famous for their craft, but this year tops them all. According to CNN news, the Keukenhof is the one of the world's top destinations for 2012.
"The Netherlands has much reason to thank the tens of thousands of Polish migrant workers who work especially in the flower sector. We chose the theme two years ago, because Poland is a very important trading partner for flowers and bulbs. It's our seventh-largest export market," said Keukenhof's Wim van Meerfield.
Indeed, the magnificence of these gardens begins and ends with its agriculture. With a private tour, you go smack in the middle of the fields and learn about Holland's long legacy as a flower power. Stand among the kaleidoscopic of colors and soak up the start of spring!
