Tulips in the Garden: A Sign of Affluence
At the time of our visit, the theme was the Golden Age - an era during the 16th century when "Dutch trade, art, science and military were much acclaimed all over the world."2 Tulips which grew wild in the mountainsides of Turkey and were introduced by Turkish traders to the Dutch "commanded a price similar to those of exotic products like spices and oriental rugs that it became a luxury item destined only for the gardens of the affluent."3 It is said that it was deemed to be a "proof of bad taste for any man of fortune to be without a collection of tulips."4
The theme was highlighted by a Flower Bulb Mosaic formed out of thousands of tulips and hyacinths coupled with a highly creative Flower and Fashion Show.
Tulip Wish Granted
I vividly remember that a day after arriving in Vienna, my daughter and I flew to Amsterdam where we stayed briefly at historic and artsy Lloyd Hotel before moving to a homey Bed and Breakfast apartment very near Keukenhof. Moving around Amsterdam - the City on Stilts and the World's Bicycle Capital - it amazed me that tulips were planted casually along the streets whereas they are priced like gold in our Manila flower shops.
Back in the days when I was working with a five-star business hotel in Makati, the company imported tulips from Holland and gave them as a token of appreciation to corporate clients on Valentines Day. I would peep into each box just before they are sent out for delivery and wished that I could have a stem for myself. Little did I know that someday I will have thousands of tulips all around me and in rainbow colors!
Exploring the 32-Hectare Tulip Haven
The plan was for us to have a bicycle tour of the tulip farms. However, my fear of breaking a bone for not knowing how to confidently ride a bike got in the way. We decided to just move around the different gardens in this 32-hectare flower haven as soon as we arrived by bus at opening time.
By early afternoon, I realized that one day was not enough for me to leisurely explore and fully enjoy the beauty of the whole area.
Every garden had its own unique design as much as every flower had its own unique characteristics. Tulips bloomed with a single color or a combination of two or more while others are with multiple color tones.
The landscaping were so expertly done, and from afar, the tulips planted in rows and in combination with other flowers, looked like gentle, colorful waves as they swayed with the wind - truly a spectacular sight!
Every part of the gardens was picture-perfect, and while I managed to take a few good shots to bring home, I somehow regretted that I did not take my Photography lessons to the next level before this trip.
We had fun responding to the challenge of creating eponymic names like Tu-pple and Be-a-Tulip for the next breed of tulip varieties currently undergoing hybrid experimentation.
It was interesting to learn as well that every year, tulip bulbs are planted in the gardens at varying depths so that each group or row bloom on different days, ensuring fresh flowers all the days of the exhibit.
Too bad, my attempt to germinate some tulip bulbs after my last trip was not successful as they stayed too long in the refrigerator and the bulb and baby leaves had already rotted before I could rescue them.
Effect of Covid-19 Epidemic on Keukenhof
It is unfortunate that last year and this year, after all the usual meticulous preparations for this annual event, Keukenhof had to temporarily close its doors to visitors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it can still be visited virtually5 and some sponsored online tours of the gardens can be viewed on the Internet.
Keukenhof is such a heavenly, unforgettable place worth seeing and I encourage you to include it in your next travel itinerary when the European borders open for travelers from our part of the world. It is worthwhile to note that currently, some countries are planning to require a COVID-19 Vaccine Passport as an essential travel document.
Not a Dutch Treat
Suffice it to say that this tulip trip was not a Dutch Treat but a birthday gift from my daughter who, at the tender age of fourteen, made a firm resolve to find and establish a niche for herself overseas.
In her young mind, she sensed that the political situation at that time will bring the country, and so her future, to nowhere. She pursued that dream relentlessly, even as she had to give up her almost completed Ateneo education which my husband and I worked so hard for, along with the comforts of home.
Starting university studies all over again while living away from family in a foreign land on a limited budget could be tough and lonely, but she never complained. Armed only with a skill for learning the German language quickly and the ability to integrate into European culture with ease, the generosity of her host country to deserving and qualified students from third world countries, the spirit of courage and determination to succeed, the kind support of a few relatives and new-found friends who helped her at the start of her journey, and the silent, constant prayers of a mother - she made it through.
As a child, she saw that Mom loves flowers, plants and gardening and she made sure I did not miss this event.
Best Tulip I Found
As mothers, we have dreams for our children, and oftentimes, these do not match with their own dreams. Our role is to guide and empower them to walk with their klompens, to fly with their wings and to achieve their bloom time.
Without us realizing it, they also have dreams for us as parents. I never knew that my daughter dreamed for me to be able to experience this extremely regal and resplendent place one day, and she brought that dream to fruition on her bloom time.
To me, she was the most beautiful Tulip I ever found in Keukenhof.
Indeed, why be a rose when you can be a Tulip!
To my fellow mothers and fathers who stand as mothers to their children, Happy Mothers Day!
Apple Bleza-Morales
About the Author:
Apple (or Maybelle in the corporate setting) is an HR Professional who is passionately immersed in home and community gardening as well as related arts and crafts. She completed post baccalaureate studies in Human Resources and Organization Development at De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and holds a Master's Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of the Philippines with focus in Human Resources Development.
References:
1 www..keukenhof.nl
2 “Dutch Golden Age”, en.m.wikipedia.org
3 “Dutch Tulip Bulb Market Bubble” by Adam Hayes, January 2021, www.Investopedia.com
4 Ibid, www.investopedia.com
5 www.keukenhof.nl
Thank you so much for sharing
ReplyDeleteWhat’s not to love? Blooming where you are planted…
ReplyDeleteHope to see fields and fields of tulips someday
ReplyDelete