Even those not old enough to remember the Tiny Tim song will hopefully pay attention as Netherlands tulip and hyacinth farmers beg them not to trample through the fields that are nearly ready for full bloom next week.
Visiting the fields and photographing the vivid displays is an annual draw for both Dutch people and visitors. But when visitors don’t stick to the marked paths bulbs can be damaged by having the soil packed. As well, if any have a plant virus, it can be released to spread.
The bulb growers’ association KAVB is distributing large banners to remind everyone of the rules because “we have to make sure people stick to the paths in a friendly way,” rather than putting up fences.
While Keukenhof garden, which opened this week after two years of pandemic closures is the best-known tulip-viewing site, there are many others in all parts of the country, as well as tulip festivals in a number of cities, including Amsterdam and Haarlem.
Oh, and if you’re wondering… here it is…
