Keukenhof

The world famous park of flowers 

The world famous park of flowers Keukenhof is located in a small city Lisse, in the Netherlands. It is one of the biggest flower parks in the world. Tulips predominate in the park. Every year about 7 million bulbs of more than 800 species are planted here. Besides tulips, it has huge exhibitions of amaryllises, chrysanthemums, and other flowers.

When is the best time to visit Keukenhof Gardens

The park is open for visitors only 2 months per year, usually from the end of March until the end of May when tulips bloom. The exact date changes every year, as blooming time depends on the weather, but no matter what, every year the alleys of the park are crowded with tourists. Each year about one million people from all parts of the planet come to see blooming flowers. In 2016 amount of visitors reached 1.1 million people.

Keukenhof for Floriculture Business

Keukenhof is not only an attractive touristic spot but also an important business hub for the floricultural sector (flower growers, exporters, importers, wholesalers). Even though it is impossible to buy or order flowers here, the park opening period is the biggest showcase for floricultural companies to promote their production. From year to year, the park conducts about 20 flowers shows that engage over 100 companies and 500 growers, who present their cut flowers and growing plants. It is one of the best places to network, make new business contacts and show a company’s live catalog to thousands of potential customers and business partners. Besides offering a space for promotion, Keukenhof encourages business friendly environment by organizing regular trade events for the growers.

Yarrow

Achillea Millefolium

Growing Yarrow Plants

Grass, meadows, even roadsides and rocky gardens are all good for this herb. An extremely hardy perennial plant can grow almost everywhere. It easily spreads in poor soil and under the direct sunlight, has a very low need in fertilizing and watering. The best soil for yarrow growth is sandy, mulched and well-drained ground. The plant has strong roots that penetrate deeply into the ground and it is difficult to take them out. The best season to plant yarrow is spring. After the first frost plants must be cut out to an inch or two stems. As a perennial plant, yarrow can grow in the same place for a few years. Each year the soil must be mulched, especially in the hot climate, and plants must be thinned when growing in the same place for three years. Otherwise, yarrow can expand to the nearby areas and turn into fast spread weed, which is extremely hard to get rid of, as plants multiply their seeds very fast.
Yarrow is a native flower to the USA, most of the European countries and Asia with the flowering period from June to September. It is usually collected in August, during the pick of its blossom period.

Using Yarrow Flowers

Fresh yarrow is often used in rustic style bouquets and floral compositions. Yarrow flowers can be accompanied by roses, lavender, sunflowers, eucalyptus leaf and ornamental grasses. Florists often use dried yarrow, as it is easily preserved and even dried herbs have the spicy scent of fresh flowers. Another yarrow benefit is its medical power. Since the ancient times, its leaves have been the cure for many minor medical issues, because of its strong antiseptic features. Besides floral and decoration industry, yarrow oil and powder are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.