The Dutch have a long and storied history as horticulture pioneers. While tulips immediately come to mind, other flowers and plants find welcoming ground in Holland. While the Netherlands might not be the point of origin for all of the flora it boasts, the fact remains that this country is one of the largest--if not the largest--generators of plants and flowers in the commercial market. Indeed, Dutch-grown flowers are exported the world over, even to countries where the species are native. Still, little compares to seeing the array of colorful vegetation where it sprouts--"Nederland," as the natives call it.
Tulips
Yes, the Netherlands boasts a wide variety of flowers and other ornamentals. Still, the draw of tulip season to this land can not be denied. Incubating in rich Dutch soil and a generous blanket of straw, these flowers usually make an appearance as early as the end of February. Seasonal events, like last Saturday's National Tulip Day was organized. This gargantuan tulip-picking garden is open in Amsterdam's Dam Square. City denizens and tourists can gather and pick their own among the thousands of tulips available. This event kicks off tulip season in the entire country.
Shortly thereafter is northern Holland's Westerkogge Flora. Here, growers from Koggenland show off their most beautiful yields. Other species and varieties are also on display. The Keukenhof Tulip Garden opens in late March when the year's crop is blooming in earnest. Open through the middle of May, this 320,000 square meters of brilliantly hued plants welcomes in excess of one-million people annually. In addition to the diverse gardens and horticultural displays, Keukenhof holds special shows, e.g. the Tulip Mania Exhibition, and a host of activities for children. With tulip varieties extending into the hundreds, aficionados do well to visit at least one of these events.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths bloom in the spring, and are notable for their long, narrow and folded leaves. With very fragrant and star-shaped flowers (on the common hyacinth), this plant likely arrived in Holland in the 16th century...and was cultivated for commercial sale ever since. Varieties include those with single, double and multiple whorls; colors range from dark blue to bright pink. In the summer--usually July--Dutch planters harvest the bulbs, extracting newer bulbs from a "mother" bulb. The newer bulbs are then re-planted in the autumn. In the interim, growers meticulously monitor their fields for unwelcome bacteria and viruses. The sandy soils of the bulb region are especially good for hyacinth cultivation.
Orchids
According to some metrics, the Netherlands is the primary vendor of orchids throughout the European continent. The vast majority of orchids are produced through meristem culture, i.e. cultivating the shoot apical meristem, a reliable method of avoiding viruses. New varieties normally take up to eight years from development to marketplace. Orchids have a large fan base because this three-petaled flower comes in myriad colors--white, violet and pink, for instance--and stem sizes, requires little maintenance and are relatively inexpensive to buy. Of course, there are many other species of Orchids, as in the southern part of Africa around 450 species of Orchids can be found.
Orchids are conspicuous at numerous flower events throughout the country. Among the favorites is the yearly Flower Parade, taking place on the 13th of April, running from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Akin to the Tournament of Roses parade in the United States, this procession features floats composed of Holland's most abundant flora, orchids prominent among them. The floats then remain on display the following day in Haarlem, just 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. Orchids also appear at the Canal Flower Parade, floating past the Hague, Delft and Vlaardingen.
Daffodils
The common daffodil is characterized by the trumpet-like shape of its flower. Frequently a striking yellow, the flowers also appear in orange, pink and white. They can grow up to 16 inches in height. Most popular among the multiple breeds is the Dutch Master. The Dutch ordinarily plant millions of daffodil bulbs in early autumn, most often September, and await their flowering in the spring. Tourists find them at their most brilliant in the middle of April. These flowers are sent to every continent save Antarctica. They are planted principally around Lisse, Noordwijkerhout and the northern part of Holland. Many of the events noted above also have copious daffodils on display.