Keunkenhof Garden, Netherlands

​On April 4, 2017 my husband and I visited the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands about 20 miles from Amsterdam.  Everything about the garden is impressive:  7 million bulbs, 100 bulb companies, 800 varieties of tulips, and 80 acres of displays.  And unless you hop on a plane right now you will need to wait until next year, it closes on May 21, 2017.   The park hosts over a million visitors over an eight-week period.  It is only open each year from late March to mid-May. 
 
The outdoor displays showcase the very best that the bulb growers have to offer.  We arrived on the early side of the tulip season.  Getting around the park was very easy and I was able to take pictures without people crowding out the scenic views.  A neighbor went just two weeks after us around Easter and he reported that it was difficult to walk around.  We understand from locals that during the prime time you can barely move in the park.  So there is a trade-off between prime tulip blooms and crowds of people. 
 
Three large pavilions showcase cut flowers, orchids, and tulip displays inside.   Next to the park are bulb fields that can be explored by a canal boat or by bicycle.  Of course, as with any other attraction there are plenty of opportunities to shop and eat. 
 
This is one of the top 50 gardens of the world.  I can vouch that it is one of the most spectacular that I have ever visited.  If you are a gardener this should be on your bucket list.