This morning we left very early for Keukenhof a seasonal flower garden exhibition similar to the Chicago Botanic Garden. It is located in Lisse, the Netherlands. It was the last weekend they were open. Unfortunately flower/tulip season in the Netherlands ended early (late April) due to abnormal season temperatures. I arrived early May last year, and a few farm fields were still wholly in tact. A lot of the flowers at Keukenhof were gone or wilting. A portion were left, and garden management was constantly putting out fresh flowers for display in the boxes (along sidewalks).
Series of water systems flow around the garden sections, which are full of tulips, daffodils, and even flowering bushes. Many of the gardens/buildings are named after royal family members. G took my picture on the “throne” of former Queen Juliana. There were many unusual sculptures throughout, some particularly cheesey. Keukenhof made quite an impression at the entry point, where a choral group dressed in sailor uniforms sang shanties beneath a windmill next to the souvenir shop. I couldn’t figure out what was neater, the windmill pinwheels, wooden tulips, or the fake fuzzy clogs. Despite all of the missing flowers, plenty of people were there. They filled up the walkways, got into pictures, and stared at G and I making kissy pictures in front of the daffodils. In some areas the flower scents were overwhelming like they should be. I can only imagine how amazing it is mid-season.
Arriving early at Keukenhof allowed us to get home early. We were pretty tired and both took naps. Around 5 pm, we went for dinner at the house of G’s friend V. M (another friend), V and his parents, V’s sister and her boyfriend were also there. Everyone was very nice, and spoke English to me often. The dinner consisted of asparagus soup, three different kinds of quiche (fish, meat, cheese/onion), pie with ice cream and cherries (from their yard!), and of course fun drinks. One of their cats attempted to make friends with G to get at the fish quiche, and took a few trips onto peoples’ laps. I took a tour of their tiered yard, including a vegetable garden area and two ponds. Everyone stayed until nearly 11 pm, and got along very well.
Truck bringing new flowers to the gardens
Small garden pond
G and I in front of the daffodils
G and I setting up the camera
Fresh Keukenhof Tulips
Wilting Tulips
Flowering Bushes
A statue of a Tree hugger
A sailor shanty singer
Shanty Singers under the Keukenhoff Windmill