Carolus Clusius (1526-1609), the name may not be immediately familiar, but this 16th century pioneering botanist laid the foundations of Dutch tulip breeding through his observations of tulips “breaking”, the virus which leads to their variation.
Carolus Clusius
His contribution is acknowledged in this delightful historical walled garden at Keukenhof, a soothing retreat from the kaleidoscope of colour beyond.
Formal layout in the Historical Garden at Keukenhof
Tulips originate in the Himalayas but in the 11th century were introduced to Turkey by the Seljuks and remained an important cultural emblem there. Dutch trading with Constantinople brought the bulb north, where botanists like Clusius studied and wrote about them. By the 17th century tulip mania had taken hold. And how grateful we are today for the Dutch expertise in tulip bulbs, producing over 4 billion bulbs a year.
The entrance to the walled garden is through an avenue of pleached trees , creating a sense of enclosure.
The walled Historic Garden, Keukenhof
The formality continues inside with clipped beech, yew and box hedging, and square lead containers of lavender leading to the statue of Clusius.
But of course it’s the tulips we want to see and there are tulip varieties cultivated for four centuries, such as Tulipa schrenkii, which Clusius would have known, as well as new varieties of tulips and daffodils soon to be introduced. All enclosed in their box-edged geometric beds.
Hoops of wisteria, especially in an enclosed space, fill the air with scent.
Since many of the tulips are yet to be introduced, I can’t furnish names.
Just in case you were wondering.
Jardin 
Beautiful! Another great tour.
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Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
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Really beautiful and uplifting as winter. or lack of spring, drags on.
Hope to visit this year
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Many thanks! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by your visit to Keukenhof. April a good time to go.
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wonderfull !!! are they recent pictures ?
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Thank you. I haven’t been to Keukenhof this year yet. These were taken last May. Have you been? It’s an easy two hours from our house near Mechelen.
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I have been there a few years ago when we visited some friends who live nearby, alas it was a long Winter and there were not many flowers open then, but we will definitely go, maybe this year, I hope !
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You always post the nicest garden pictures.
Beautiful.
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Cynthia, I really appreciate your very kind comment. Thank you.
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You are welcome.
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I really enjoyed your beautiful garden pictures. Thank you!
I grow tulips in my garden, but I wonder it will grow well in this cold weather….
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Many thanks – glad you enjoyed the post. I love tulips too and they don’t mind cold weather.
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Nice post!
Check my link to see more images and information about the Keukenhof.
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Just visited Keukenhof and after reading your very interesting article, made sure I saw the historic garden. I noted each planting here was numbered. Do you know if it is possible to obtain a list of the varieties? I would be interested in obtaining and growing some of them.
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Hi Mark, have a look on Keukenhof’s websit
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