Jane Hamblin Plants Editor - Keukenhof Gardens Holland

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Description Keukenhof and Russia join forces to launch theme of 2010; “From Russia with Love” I was invited by the Dutch Tourist Board this year to Press Pass the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland as Plants Editor A spectacular flower bulb mosaic of Russia’s St. Basil’s Cathedral will be the pinnacle of the ‘From Russia with Love’ theme at the Keukenhof this year. From 18 March - 16 May, the mosaic will portray an impression of the towers which frame the centuries’ old cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square. The mosaic cathedral measures 21 by 21 metres and has been created from almost 65,000 flower bulbs. Its colourful magnificence will be revealed at the Keukenhof this spring. In 2009 Keukenhof celebrated its sixtieth year and was visited by a record number of visitors (870,000). This year, from 18 March - 16 May, it is expected that approximately 800,000 guests from around the world will come to admire this beautiful spring garden in Lisse, Holland. ‘From Russia with Love’ is a multi-dimensional theme, hence presenting the Keukenhof with the enormous challenge of bringing this fascinating country with its imperial past to life in the gardens. Russian landscapes, a Russian inspirational garden, Russian wildlife in the children’s play area, the inevitable dacha and the matryoshka dolls will all provide the necessary ambience. Authenticity and creativity will have a high importance in the exhibition, with three specially designed pavilions offering visitors sixteen permanent and varying indoor shows. Each garden will display a kaleidoscope of colours and designs, varying from romantic pastels and bright bursts of colour to powerful deep tints and patterns. Other highlights include ‘Ellen’s Outdoor Room’ garden which will contain a garden house straight out of a Russian fairy tale. Most of the flower bulbs will bear Russian names and the black tulip ‘Baba Yaga’ can be seen for the first time in Holland at this exhibition. Since the park opened in 1949, over 43 million people have visited the Keukenhof. It has become one of the most popular attractions in Holland, attracting people of all ages. The nine week exhibition in 2010 promises visitors a unique ‘spring experience’, with thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils in bloom alongside other carefully selected spring bulbs. Below is a sample of images of the parkland and sculptures and if you scroll down you will find links to the Keukenhof Website which gives all the information needed on what's on and when;  how to get to Keukenhof, when to go and how to make the most of your visit.     There are at least 7 million other reasons to visit: Events: Inspirational Gardens: Flower Shows: And the best of all - such professional, helpful and delightful people - that's 7,000,001 reasons to visit ! LINKS to Keukenhof Website should answer any questions you have