Keukenhof Gardens, the Netherlands

This post will be mostly for the ladies...flowers, flowers, and more flowers.

The Netherlands is where many of the world's flowers pass through on their way to markets around Europe and even the US. The Dutch are known for tulips, in particular. The Keukenhof Gardens outside of Amsterdam are a showcase for many varieties of flowers, mostly tulips. Different growers contribute bulbs of their products to be shown off here. Each year 7-8 million bulbs are planted on 32 hectares. This has been the world's largest flower garden for over 50 years. Usually mid-April is the peak time, but the Netherlands, like much of Europe, has experienced a very cool spring. As a result, our trip in early May was right at the peak for the blooms.

A couple residents

The gardens are surrounded by fields of tulips.

I had never seen tulips with fringed petals like these.

All are named, and this one seemed pretty appropriate.

Many were named after historical figures, Dutch royalty, and footballers.

Tribute to London...this is the Parliament clock tower, better know as Big Ben.

Tower Bridge

Tracy tries to catch lunch

Lilies in the indoor pavilion named for the new King...Willem Alexander

Blooms as big as my hand!

It just goes on and on and on...really pretty overwhelming. It is beautiful, and must take an amazing amount of work.

Field of tulips next to gardens

And now for the silly pictures...

Hmmm, when do I get to have beer...