Park & nature
Hortus Bulborum
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Hortus Bulborum, located in the village of Limmen near Alkmaar, is a unique botanical garden dedicated entirely to historic bulbous plants. Founded in 1928, it preserves a living collection of over 4,000 varieties of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring-flowering bulbs. The garden is particularly famous for its collection of 'old Dutch' tulips, including varieties that date back to the 17th-century tulip mania. Visitors can stroll through neatly arranged beds that showcase the evolution of tulip breeding, from the rare 'broken' tulips with flame-like patterns to modern hybrids. The garden also features a small museum with exhibits on bulb cultivation and the history of the Dutch bulb trade. The peak blooming season is mid-April to early May, when the garden is a riot of color and fragrance. Hortus Bulborum is a must-visit for gardening enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a rare glimpse into the botanical heritage that shaped the Dutch landscape.
Don't miss
- See the 'Semper Augustus' tulip, one of the most famous and expensive tulips from the 1630s.
- Explore the collection of 'broken' tulips with their distinctive striped and feathered petals.
- Visit the small museum to learn about the history of tulip mania and bulb cultivation.
- Photograph the vibrant, orderly beds of daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses in spring.
- Attend the annual 'Tulip Festival' in April for guided tours and special events.
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