Of course, I say this as an American who is used to a two hour work commute and still amazed that in that time you can cross three European countries. Located near Lisse, the Keukenhof is easy to visit from Amsterdam (there is a convenient bus route) and an easy driving distance from Brussels. Today, the flowering fields draw lots of visitors, and one of the most popular destinations is the Keukenhof, considered to be the world’s largest flower garden. At the height of tulip mania in the 17th century, a single bulb could cost as much as a house, but even after the economic bubble burst, the flower remained a distinctive national symbol. Some varieties may smell lighter than others, but all of them have a distinctive perfume.Įvery spring the flower fields in the Netherlands burst into bloom, transforming the surrounding countryside into a surreal painting of vivid red, yellow, and blue. A dusky purple hybrid called Cuban Night reminded me of waxed wooden floors.

Lemon, moss, wet earth, rose, carrots, and apricots are some other scents I wrote down in my notebook. Some smell of potato peels and pear brandy, others of cloves soaked in honey and crushed green buds. Who says that tulips have no scent? After spending several hours sticking my nose inside more than three dozen varieties, I discovered that not only are tulips perfumed, their fragrances vary dramatically.

Semper Augustus by Olivier Bleys