Tiptoe through the tulips at Groot Bijgaarden Castle, Brussels
Swathes of multi-coloured spring flowers in a woodland setting do not quite put sophisticated one-colour beds in the shade but they do add to the dazzling display at the Groot-Bijgaarden Castle, near Brussels.
The castle is Belgium’s answer to Keukenhof and it puts on a beautiful display of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths for one month every year (April 6 to May 6, 2016).
The park's spring flower festival is now in its 13th year and visitors can enjoy a heady perfume across the 34-acre garden.
More one million bulbs are planted, featuring 500 varieties, including 400 tulip varieties from classic, botanical (kaufmanniana, greigii, fosteriana), viridiflora, parrots and multi–flora. Among the narcissi and daffodils, rare varieties include the papillon narcissus.
The bulbs are supplied by major Dutch bulb producers who are keen to work with head designer Martin Bakker, a descendant of a famous bulb producing family in the Netherlands.
One of the tulips in the park is name after his father and Martin says is he 'rather proud of this fact' as he continues to look for new and interesting varieties to create the floral feast.
He said: "The bulb companies are happy to help me so I go over to the Netherlands to find the most beautiful species and the most talented producers."
A 1000m² newly restored greenhouse is a further treat, heaving with 150 flower arrangements by floral artist Hans Danko. The 10,000 blooms are changed every week so they look fresh through the month.
It's an enchanting 34-acre site with unusual swathes of woodland planting in the shape mixed bulbs; daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in every possible colour cascading down to the water’s edge.
The castle dates from the 14th century and those with the stamina can climb to the roof terrace for a view over the gardens and city.
Castle of Groot Bijgaarden
Isidoor Van Beverenstraat 5
1702 Groot-Bijgaarden
contact@grandbigard.be
www.floralia-brussels.be
Adults 12€, Groups and senior 10€, Children (6 - 14 years) 5€
The park is open from 10am to 6 pm until May 6, 2016.
RSS Feed
