Inspiration.!! Kuekenhof Gardens, ,Netherlands-May,2012

Inspiration

I look to you to be my guide
My heart can feel you by my side
Deep in my soul, I'm convinced 
You’ve Been My Inspiration
You’ve Been My Inspiration.

Can you realize all you are
Something more than just a star
Through ups and downs 
From Where we came
Confidence kicked in….,
And who’s to blame….? ?  

No doubt it’s you….,
You, you, you…., 
Was blessed by you....,
You've Been My Inspiration
You've Been My Inspiration             Trade Martin



                          

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Keukenhof is one of the worlds greatest gardens! It is absolutely the best bulb garden in the world and it's only open for about 6 weeks. 7,000,000  flower bulbs are planted annually in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares  Keukenhof is situated on 15th century hunting grounds. It was also a source of herbs for Countess of Hainault castle, which is the source of the name Keukenhof  Rich merchants took over the grounds after the Countess's death. In the 19th century,  landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son were asked to design the grounds around the castle.The garden was established in 1949 by the then-mayor of Lisse. The idea was to present a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrids – and help the Dutch export industry (the Netherlands is the world's largest exporter of flowers). Keukenhof has been the world's largest flower garden for over fifty years.Every year they present a theme.This years theme was Chopin.....a wooden bust,flower beds shaped like the artist ,displays with black huge hanging notes and red flowers. In the middle of the garden is a free form lake. Interspersed in the gardens are the buildings.There is an orchid house, a tulip house and a buildings for flower arrangements. The orchid display is one of the best in the world.There is a wonderful playground, a petting zoo,cafes and even a working windmill and views to the flower fields .There is a calliope and sculptures. The gardens are attended by dozens of people working all day deadheading the plants to utter perfection for your visit. It was an amazing experience and I wanted a good friend to experience it with me...You should at allow a full day! Bring an umbrella and loads of storage on your memory card.

                             Orange Kaisers Crown                                             

  

  

 

I found a U-pick field by in Lisse not far from the entrance and I picked these myself and they cost 4 Euros

 I purchased this bulb at the gardens for 7 euro                  

a spring shower brings May flowers ...thank God!

My bleeding heart will tell on me...Dicentra spectabilis

 Sometimes it comes to a point when you say enough is enough....when things no longer serve you...no matter how alive, beautiful or the potential. I had some miniature camellias that I refused to give up on...Although they grew large.and even  when I sprayed them, they hardly ever bloomed and were constantly covered in white fly. Like a cancer it spread. Until One day I lost it and took the SUV and yanked them out. I know, it's cruel plant murder,but now  knockouts are in their place and will get their chance. I have been known to take pity on plants and people and have salvaged many a plant from certain death. Plants like people require a good match....and when you find the ones that fit in your landscape, it can be a glorious thing.

 

Oncidium

      

There must be light and shadow in the garden....night and day......evil and good..drought and flood..When we culturize  we lose  Eden. The garden is a metaphor of Life. We must balance the Yin and the Yang. Unless you love and accept someones shadow too,you really don't love  the whole person. The garden of life is everchanging and if you put in sweat equity and love, karma will bring you joy to balance the sadness.