Holland has always been a country of great horticultural skills - and the centre of Europe's horticultural industry. From the end of March to May each year, Keukenhof Gardens (the world's largest flower garden - 7 million flowers in a 70 acre park) showcases the Dutch bulb growers industry with new displays and hybrids each year of tulips, hyacinths, crocus, narcissi and daffodils. Mid April is probably the best time to visit Keukenhof as all the different species will be in bloom.
The Dutch classical garden style is based on the Italian style. Dutch classical gardens are rectangular in shape and enclosed by tree-lined canals. Towards the end of the 17th century, the French baroque style was very influential. The gardens at Het Loo are an example of this. Built by William III of Orange in 1685, the Het Loo Palace is a beautifully restored 17th century palace. Het Loo is often referred to as the Versailles of Holland . In the 19th century, there was a move away from enclosed gardens to a much more open style of garden.
If you choose to visit Holland's gardens with a tour group, it is important to be clear on what your priorities are. Many tours focus on the spring bulb displays, which is fantastic, if that is what you came to see. However, if you are interested in Holland's historic gardens, you will have to be discerning in choosing a tour. Some tours give you the opportunity to enjoy both.
Gardening has been very popular in Holland at least since the renaissance and today Holland is the centre of Europe's horticultural industry. There are many Dutch gardens from the Baroque period, though they tend to be on a smaller scale then equivalent French gardens indash; which makes them closer together and much easier to visit. The character of Dutch gardens can be seen from the aerial photographs on our Dutch Garden Finder pages. Holland produces a high proportion of Europe's plant stock but it is not as evident in gardens as one might expect.
