Gardeners plant the first batch of flower bulbs at the Keukenhof flower garden in Lisse, the Netherlands, on Oct. 5, 2023. (Keukenhof/Handout via Xinhua)
Over the course of the next three months, seven million flower bulbs will be planted one by one, by hand, to create the breathtaking floral displays that draw visitors from all corners of the globe.
LISSE, the Netherlands, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Gardeners at the renowned Keukenhof flower garden, a top tourist attraction in the Netherlands, planted the first batch of seven million flower bulbs on Thursday to commence preparations for the garden's 75th anniversary in 2024.
Over the course of the next three months, seven million flower bulbs will be planted one by one, by hand, to create the breathtaking floral displays that draw visitors from all corners of the globe.
"This 75th anniversary is no small feat and Keukenhof is grateful and proud of everyone who has contributed to its development," the flower garden's management said in a press release.
Lisa Lefeber (L), a 5th generation owner of J.W.A Lefeber, one of the eldest flower bulb growers and exporters in the Netherlands, Tim Hunnekink (C), a manager of Keukenhof, and Keukenhof's Managing Director Sandra Bechtholt plant flower bulbs at the Keukenhof flower garden in Lisse, the Netherlands, on Oct. 5, 2023. (Keukenhof/Handout via Xinhua)
"It all started in 1949 as an initiative by 10 flower bulb growers, who wanted to showcase the trade," it said.
The garden first opened its doors to the public in 1950 and has soon become a popular tourist destination. Today, Keukenhof boasts a diverse group of exhibitors, consisting of 100 flower bulb growers, each displaying their top-of-the-line assortment to the world.
"My great-grandfather and his brother were among the initiators of the establishment of Keukenhof," said Lisa Lefeber, a fifth generation owner of J.W.A Lefeber, one of the eldest flower bulb growers and exporters in the Netherlands.
Visitors view blooming tulips at the Keukenhof park in Lisse, the Netherlands, on March 23, 2023. (Photo by Sylvia Lederer/Xinhua)
At a colorful ceremony at Keukenhof on Thursday, Lefeber and the garden's new Managing Director Sandra Bechtholt planted the flower bulbs together.
Keukenhof will open its doors to the public for its 75th-anniversary celebration from March 21 to May 12 in 2024. ■
