A Gardener's Spring Trip to Holland: Tulips, Keukenhof, and Hidden Gems

Invited by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center, I experienced the ultimate spring bulb pilgrimage—miles of tulip fields, the 80-acre Keukenhof display gardens, and private estates opened exclusively for our group.

Where to Stay

• The Grand Hotel, Amsterdam: Luxury, spa, and excellent free breakfast (site of Queen Beatrix’s wedding).
• Lytshuis Zilver B&B: Charming coastal stay; ask for the “one-hole-er” room.
• More B&Bs via Bed and Breakfast Netherlands.

Guided Tours

André Ancion arranges access to private gardens with spectacular collections. His site is in Dutch, but he speaks excellent English—email your requests.

Unforgettable Meals

• De Vijf Sinnen (The Five Senses), Weidum: Chef Kevin Wilks (English) creates beautiful, delicious plates.
• De Kas, Amsterdam: Restaurant inside a working greenhouse/garden; menu harvested nightly.

Planning Your Trip

The Netherlands Board of Tourism offers extensive resources. The Dutch are welcoming, the landscape feels familiar to Southern gardeners, and travel is easy. Start dreaming—and booking—for next April.

Tulip fields and Keukenhof gardens in spring