The Keukenhof theme for 2016 is “The Golden Age”. The era in which the Netherlands went through a flourishing period in the field of trade, arts and sciences. This was also the period in which the world was discovered and the tulip trade thrived.
The highlight is a flower bulb mosiac about the Golden Age. The mosiac shows a Delft Blue tile on which the trade across the seas and the rich canal-side houses of Amsterdam are depicted. The mosiac has an area of 250m². There are 100.000 flower bulbs used: tulips, grape hyacinths (muscari) and crocuses. The mosaic is planted with two layers of bulbs ensuring that it will bloom throughout the whole season.
The tulip is the distinctive icon of Netherlands throughout the world. And Keukenhof can do no other than give the tulip centre stage. An exhibition being organised in the Juliana Pavilion shows the history of the tulip, 17th Century tulip mania and today’s tulip as contemporary icon.
The tale of the tulip is truly impressive. From bulbs worth their weight in gold, theft, and a mountain dweller that feels at home in the Dutch climate, to the story of the black tulip, and famous people who gave their name to new varieties. All these stories are told in the Tulpomania exhibition in the Juliana Pavilion.
Christen your own tulip, see how the new tulips are cultivated, and receive advice and tips from our experts about the use of flower bulbs in your own garden.
The Golden Age provides the inspiration for the flower mosaic and for many of the flower shows in the Oranje Nassau Pavilion. New in 2016 are a Golden Age inspirational garden and a Delft Blue garden.
Keukenhof 2016: 24 March – 16 May
http://www.keukenhof.nl/en/
Dutch Australian 