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April 17, 2016

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World’s largest bulb garden blooms

MILLIONS of colorful blossoms from Delft blues to reds and porcelain whites are drawing huge crowds to an annual Dutch springtime rite at the renowned Keukenhof gardens.

The world’s largest bulb garden, which boasts some seven million flowers, depicted this year’s theme, “Netherlands Golden Age,” with the help of flowers.

Lasting from 1584-1702, this was a time of unparalleled prosperity for the small nation during which trade, art and science flourished, said guide Patricia Jelgehuis.

Thousands of tulips — the country’s most iconic flower — sway gently among grape hyacinths and crocuses of every shade and create the garden’s colorful living tableaux.

The highlight this year is a bulb mosaic of the Golden Age, depicting a traditional Delft blue-and-white tile showing Dutch trade across the seas and Amsterdam’s grand, towering canalside homes.

Other exhibits at the gardens in the western town of Lisse highlight copies of the works of famous Dutch Masters, like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

And in case the humble tulip is not enough for the 800,000 people expected to visit before the park closes again on May 16, this year’s show also includes a pairing of exotic orchids with high-end fashion.

There’s even a creamy white wedding dress by Dutch haute couture designer Ronald Kolk, proudly displaying a cascade of orchids as part of the voluminous skirt and other fasion items like hats and shoes.

Adding to the display are hats by Philip Treacy, milliner to such clients as the British Queen and Madonna.




 

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