The Keukenhof flower gardens in the Netherlands is a hugely popular but seasonal attraction that is working hard at keeping up with seasons that have become less predictable. This year it’s planted seven million tulip bulbs, up 30% from last year.
Because visits to the gardens are booked by travel agents up to two years in advance, the gardens need to ensure that there are fresh blooms throughout the six-week opening, set this year for March 21 to May 10. Those dates are a week earlier than in the past.
The planting ran from October through December, and some are already showing shoots in unseasonably warm weather. The varieties were chosen to make sure that the displays refresh themselves through the opening period. This year, over a million and a half visitors are expected.
Image: Donald Trung Quoc Don/Wikimedia
