Groningen, where we stayed overnight after visiting relatives in Denmark, was our first stop in the Netherlands. Another was a turnoff on the road to stand in awe of a surprising sight. A field, with wide bands of saturated color, stretched before our eyes. The reddest of red and the brilliant yellow tulips were just a commercial farm, not a display. A nearby windmill completed the fantastic scene. Back home it would have been an attraction for hoards of visitors. This sight was duplicated many times on our way to the Keukenhof Garden, although not always with a windmill. We were the only ones to stop at every opportunity and gaze at the view. The local population drove by as unconcerned as if the fields contained alfalfa. I guess after a time, one may even be blasé in Paradise.
At the 70 acre Keukenhof Garden the flowers were arranged more artfully, although still in mass plantings. It convinced me that a few flowers here and a few there was not the way to go. There is no way I can attempt to duplicate any part of the garden but now I do plant tulips in quantities of at least 50 of the same variety. Beds of plantings at Keukenhof were strewn about with carefully planned abandon. The gardens were in a wooded setting including water accents. The riot of color was softened by the expanse of green shrubs and trees. We seemed to have fortunately hit the peak of bloom. This Dutch garden even contained an obligatory model windmill towering over the tulips. My wife, Kay, was astounded by the crew of workmen going around snipping off the flowers that were just past their peak. They carried monster size plastic bags filled with rainbows. I can not bring myself to deadhead a tulip until the petals are drooping.
I had thought I came prepared with a sufficient supply of film, but it was soon exhausted. At a kiosk in the garden I sheepishly bought some more from a young woman, mentioning my overly enthusiastic use and running out. With a smile she said everyone does. Another urge brought on by these fantastic surroundings was the absolute necessity to attempt, in any small way, to have a piece of the garden back home. They have thoughtfully provided a solution, a catalog of bulbs from which to order for delivery the following fall. We fell. This is where I purchased bulbs for Oxalis Deppei 4/+. They grow about a foot tall, have minor pink flowers, but striking mahogany centered leaves. They can not survive our winters and must be dug up and stored inside. An added benefit is the abundance of new corms produced each year for distribution to friends.
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