According to the Eastman Kodak Co., the flowers and ornate concrete water fountains at Keukenhof in the Netherlands are the second most photographed place in the world, after the Taj Mahal in Aga, India. Keukenhof's history is almost as colorful as its famous Dutch gardens.



Keukenhof Has a Colorful History - Just Like its Dutch Gardens

When the fair Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436) wasn't in the throes of planning her next wedding, the thrice-married countess spent much of her time riding through the estate's 70 acres in pursuit of deer and other royal game. Much of the grounds were also devoted to raising vegetables and herbs to feed the Countess van Beieren's large and hungry court. (The name Keukenhof means "kitchen garden" in Dutch.). There were no formal gardens with concrete water fountains during her time.

Little now remains of her palace but a few brick walls. The countess would be hard-pressed to find a sprig of sage to flavor her venison stew in the garden that exists here today. The gardens today include miles of flowerbeds, wall water fountains and concrete water fountains.



Bulbs and Concrete Water Fountains are Everywhere in the Dutch Garden's of Keukenhof

Tulips have replaced turnips, and herbs have given way to hyacinths, much to the delight of the million or so tourists who flock here each spring to what has become the world's largest flower garden and the most photographed concrete water fountains since they are surrounded by dazzling color.

Since 1949, Dutch bulb growers have used this park to show off the splendor of Holland's bulb industry. Each autumn, a staggering 7 million bulbs are planted by some 30 gardeners to guarantee a breathtaking spring show. Each year the old bulbs are dug up and tossed away. The concrete water fountains accentuate the display of bulbs each year.

To ensure constant color in the same beds, bulbs are planted in layers: Late-blooming tulips are planted deepest, above them midseason tulips, then hyacinths, and finally the earliest blooms, such as crocuses.

Waves of brilliant, tall cottage tulips and fragrant Dutch hyacinths spill down gentle slopes toward a lake where white swans glide across still water. Concrete water fountains and small brooks break the silence with refreshing splashes of water. One visitor observed: "If heaven doesn't look just like this place, I'm moving."

In another area, formal rectangular beds of tulips and daffodils grace the shade-dappled walkways under a stand of towering 150-year-old beech trees.



The Themes in Keukenhof Tied Together With Concrete Water Fountains

There are also theme gardens, including Japanese, music, historical, and meadow gardens. Some 30 sculptures, objects d'art and concrete water gardens that grace the lawns. And what would a tourist attraction in Holland be without the signature windmill? There's even a maze where you can lose the kids for a few minutes.

Keukenhof also boasts several informal restaurants and indoor exhibits, including an orchid pavilion. Peacocks stroll the grounds, while some 30 species of wild birds nest among the thousands of trees and shrubs.

Keukenhof is 11 miles southwest of Amsterdam. While you are in Amsterdam, you should stop and visit the historic garden. You will probably see artists from all over the world sitting beside the concrete water gardens while busy sketching some of the antique tulips. If it is your first visit, feel forewarned that the beauty of the place might overcome you. It almost makes some visitors dizzy due to the incredible beauty in every direction. It's almost too much for the eye to take in.

If she were still around, the Countess van Beieren might not be able to feed her court from the kitchen garden at Keukenhof, but she certainly could dazzle guests with magnificent floral arrangements and concrete water fountains.

The Keukenhof's spring show for the Dutch Garden runs from March 21 to May 18. Further information is available at www.keukenhof.com