Keukenhof, or “kitchen garden” in Dutch, is also known as the Garden of Europe. Located in the town of Lisse in the Netherlands, Keukenhof is among the largest flower gardens in the world. This garden, which is open to the public between the months of March and May, features millions of flower bulbs planted in an area covering nearly 80 acres of land in South Holland.
The History of Keukenhof
In the 15th century, Keukenhof was a hunting ground that also provided herbs for the kitchen of the Countess of Hainaut. After the countess’ death, the castle was subsequently occupied by several merchants and other political and military figures, until the Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt expressed a desire to improve the grounds around the castle. To this end, they hired landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son, who had designed the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. In 1949, the garden itself was established with the intent to create an exhibit where growers could show off flowers from the Netherlands and Europe.
The Layout of Keukenhof
Today, Keukenhof remains one of the largest and most prestigious flower gardens in the world. It contains approximately seven million bulbs and several different gardens in various styles. These styles include traditional English landscape design (dating back to the 1830s and developed by the the Zochers), a water garden, and a Japanese country garden. The original Castle Keukenhof remains on the grounds and serves as a setting for festivals, concerts, and other celebrations throughout the year.