LISSE, The Netherlands, March 26, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- By baptizing the new "Spring Garden" tulip Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands officially opened the 60th edition of the international flower exhibition Keukenhof on March 18, 2009. In this jubilee year the theme 'USA, New Amsterdam: New York, 400' strengthens the bond of friendship with the numerous American visitors. Approximately 10 percent of visitors at Keukenhof come from the United States. Four centuries ago discoverer Henry Hudson stepped ashore on what is now Manhattan -- on behalf of the "Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie," the Dutch East India Company, which in those times ruled the seas -- thus establishing New Amsterdam, later re-named New York.
In the past six decades Keukenhof has enjoyed a warm interest from the members of the Royal Family. On May 2nd, 1972, then Queen Juliana and the Prince Consort Bernhard celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary here and in 2001 Princess Maxima was officially introduced to the Dutch nation at Keukenhof. Last year Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, as a member of the International Olympic Committee, opened the exhibition themed 'China - The 2008 Olympics, Beijing.'
Emphasizing the 2009 theme, prof. dr M.J. Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey, representing the Hudson River Valley, addressed the audience. Hinchey initiated the federal effort to organize this year's celebrations in New York of Hudson's historic voyage. Mr. Walter Jansen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Keukenhof, pictured the history of international flower promotion, illustrated by a special exhibition in the Willem Alexander Pavilion. Mr. Jansen marked 60 years as an important milestone for Keukenhof Gardens.
"Spring Garden" is a Darwin-hybrid tulip, bred by Plant Research International Wageningen from a Madame Lefeber and a tetraploide and furthermore upgraded by Fluwel in Burgerbrug. It is a bright red tulip with a yellow heart, perfectly fitted for the garden as well as for flower pots. Natural blooming is around the end of April.
AMERICA IN FLOWERS
The 2009 theme is impressively shown by a portrait of the world famous Statue of Liberty in flowers, a scene measuring approx. 82 x 49 ft, in which more than 50,000 flower bulbs are used. On October 16, 2008 the first planting was performed by Mr. Kenneth Roy, Cultural Officer for the US in the Netherlands. At the same time another 50,000 tulip bulbs were planted in Central Park, a donation of the Netherlands American Community Trust, the International Flower Bulbs Centre IBC, and Keukenhof to the city of Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Keukenhof 2009 has designed an American themed route, starting with the Hudson River at the park's entrance. From there a swaying path of blue grape flowers illustrates the two streams of New York, and leads the visitors along recognizable American phenomenons such as Brooklyn, Harlem and Wall Street. A walk of fame pictures e.g. former First Lady Laura Bush, as well as James Last, Hollywood, Manhattan, Washington and Portland in flowers. The "American Dream" inspires one of the gardens, in which Uncle William, a returning emigrant, plays the major role.
In the historic park of 32 hectares (approx. 79 ac) some seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and all other spring bulbs exuberantly grow. This year the park will be open from March 19th until May 21st. The displays in the park and the unique flower shows in the various pavilions are a glorious visual feast. In the midst of this magnificent spectacle of color you will also find exquisite works of art. Traditional highly appreciated events such as the Easter Hat Parade are maintained in the program.
Keukenhof is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. It has developed into one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands. Many visitors from all continents gain inspiration while relaxing in the magnificent surroundings with no less than 15 kilometers (approx. 9.3 miles) of walking trails. Keukenhof is a unique experience and guarantees the most fabulous photos.
For further information or to request images, please contact: