Set in the heart of the Netherlands’ prime bulb region south-west of Amsterdam, the garden in its present form dates back to 1949, when a group of bulb growers came up with the idea of holding an annual exhibition here, as a showcase for their wares.
Sixty five years on, the Keukenhof claims to be the most beautiful spring garden in the world, and it’s fair to say that in mid April, the place does look remarkable. Artistically presented across its 79 acres are arcs and curves, lines and strips of tulips, narcissi and hyacinths in unnaturally vivid colours, interspersed by reflective ponds and whimsical sculptures.
And that, essentially, is the Keukenhof’s appeal. Like the hordes of Japanese groups who visit, you spend most of your time wandering around in an aesthetic stupor, snapping away at the psychedelic blazes of colour.
To have time to see everything, you will need to allow the best part of the day here. The Zocher Garden, laid out in English landscape-style in the mid-19th century, is the prettiest area, while the walled Historical Garden, planted with rare, old bulbs, is the most interesting.
There are also the Inspiration Gardens – think Chelsea Flower Show – and pavilions that house striking displays of less hardy plants such as orchids, and provide shelter from showers for less hardy visitors.
Each year, the Keukenhof has a theme, and this year it is United Kingdom – Land of Great Gardens. The highlight promises to be a mosaic of Big Ben and Tower Bridge, created out of 60,000 flowers.