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Showing posts with label Keukenhof. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Keukenhof. Show all posts

Monday, June 2, 2014

Lessons from the Garden & Memories of The Netherlands


image HHL - June 2013
This time last year we had returned from an amazing trip to The Netherlands to celebrate Mr. G's Birthday in May. While there we were lucky enough to catch the last week of the BEYOND GORGEOUS gardens at Keukehof!!! And that put in motion something that we too often over look - "anticipation and patience."

In today's fast paced, constantly connected, desire for instant gratification there is little room for things that take time ... well Mother Nature is a great reminder ... that some of the most fabulous things in the world do take time and when it comes to nature - nothing will happen before its time.
And the waiting/anticipation began once we were back in Canada - June 2013.


FOUR months later ..... our precious package arrived, just in time for the autumn planting here.



It was like an early Christmas ... all these bulbs!!!


The weather had begun to turn ....and the autumn garden boots were already out.
The trees were almost completely bare and the early cold temps had called the gardens to an early rest.


But these bulbs had to get in the ground .... 
I was nervous because winter like temps had begun early at the country house and the earth was starting to freeze.

We planted and asked Mother Nature and the garden fairies to look after these precious gifts all the way from Holland.... 
Winter was extra harsh ... and SIX months later ....
Our new garden beauties were making their debut .....

They were quite late ... due to the harsh winter ...and didn't start coming into full bloom until mid to late May....


But when it was time BOOM!!! the blooms were spectacular...


And then this beauty started to unravel slowly .... I fell in love with the Maxima Lutea at first sight at the Keukehof gardens ... but the yellow that I waited a year to see remained tightly closed.






Each day ... the blooms raised up ... higher and higher....

and this past week-end the long awaited yellow Maxima Lutea ... made it's grand entrance!!!! In my opinion worth every second of anticipation!!! all these months.

As I walked out to the tulip garden each morning and was greeted with yet an other breath taking tulip - I couldn't help but think that thankfully there are still some things in the world to remind us to be patient. That no matter how much we worry - things will turn out the way they are meant to - for our highest good.

The tulips are now starting to fade ... and soon there will be just a patch of dirt were they once were. BUT! I know that with care and nurturing during their rest time... next spring I will get to see them again. And I can't wait to see what Mother Nature will surprise us with.

"To truly enjoy a luxurious and balanced life, one must be able to appreciate the time of anticipation/waiting for something magical." ~ Celia M.


Do you wait with anticipation for your gardens to return each spring?

If you missed it you can see photos of our trip last year to Keukehof Gardens here  and the original Maxima Lutea that captured my eye. More photos of our trip  here  

Hugs and Blessings,
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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Netherlands in Pictures

What better way to celebrate Mr. G's birthday than with a last minute trip to Amsterdam! He got a trip and was able to cross Amsterdam trip, off his bucket list. Here are some things we learned about the Netherlands in pictures.


We arrived on his actual birthday day ... and over an English breakfast, which is most popular here - he open a birthday card which our most thoughtful friends from Vermont, had mailed ahead of time to our home (for me to give to him upon our arrival in Amsterdam - his bday).


We stayed at the Barbizon Palace hotel  
across from Central Station. And it was a pleasure to stay at during our time in  exploring Amsterdam. Great staff, close to everything, good size rooms - and very clean.


The Canals....
A day trip to Keukenhof Gardens ... words cannot describe the beauty of this place... 
4.5 million bulb-flowers in 100 varieties... you can see more photos here.


Flower Markets ..... 
there were not as many as I had expected, but the ones we saw were amazing!


Food .... amazing... and from all corners of the world can be found here...


and a little wine too....

Amsterdam is most liberal and tolerant ... as a tour through the Red District and some of the museums shows


Ladies you don't get to see this everyday in Amsterdam ... this tourist may have been celebrating a little too much during the soccer games and decided to jump in the canal. He was smart enough to remove his clothing before jumping in ..lol


Bikes ... everywhere ... there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam....

RAIN!!! .... constantly ... we had 2 days of sunshine...


No matter where in the world you go ... there is always a little bit of home,
to comfort you on damp rainy days. 

Despite the rain the people are all so friendly, no matter where you go. We look forward to visiting again in the future.


If we were questioning our trip to Europe (Italy and Portugal) later this year, our keys had lots to say...
What are the chances of being given these 2 countries out of 25???

What are your travel plans for the summer?

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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Keukenhof Gardens - Holland

During our recent trip to the Netherlands in celebration of Mr. G's birthday, we took a tour to the Keukenhof gardens. This is the largest bulb-flower park in the world. As you will note by the above sign, the gardens are only open to visitors from March 21st - May 20th. This is definitely something to add to your anticipation list (see post on anticipation here), here you will find no less than 4.5 million tulips in 100 varieties. Have I captured your attention?

Here I try on some shoes that are not high heels ... 

 There are beautiful water features...



Daffodils ...
The Maxima Lutea, captured my attention ...


Everywhere you look, you will find inspiration 
for creating your own gardens and planters...

These are just breath taking, wouldn't you agree?

The combination of colour , brilliant!

 They say a photo is worth a thousand words...
 There was an absolute abundance of flowers named in honour of some most deserving people...
Pink and yellow...


It was a precious moment to observe these small tots enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature ...

Have you been to Keukenhof ?
We only managed to see a small portion of the gardens, so a return trip is on the HHL Anticipation List



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 Sharing this post with:  Outdoor Wednesday - Cottage Garden Party - Fertilizer Friday - Farm Fresh Friday -Feathered Nest Friday  The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays  ~Twig Studios for Sunday Show Off ~ Under the Table Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party ~  Mosaic Monday - Bloomin' Tuesday - Tuesday Garden Party -  
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