| Amsterdam & Flevo Barging I Tulip Time Barging II Belgium | |||
 Fields of narcissus and tulips viewed from within Keukenhof Gardens. |
 The hyacinths, seen as one nears the Gardens were in full bloom. |
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 Phil and Martha are squinting at the sun, not scowling, among the blooms. |
 Hostesses in historical costumes greet visitors to the gardens. |
 With 7 million bulbs planted each year ... |
 ... in acres of park land ... |
 there are many beautiful walks. |
 Almost everywhere you turn ... |
 ... there are beautiful vistas ... |
 ... but remember to stay on the paths. |
 Beds
and beds of blooms are also under cover in the pavilions. |
 "Dreamboat" is an old-style shape with modern colors. |
 Note the huge blooms compared to my gloved hand. |
 "Silk Surprise" |
 "Purple Lady" |
 Setting up a display. |
 More blooms ... narcissus? |
 More narcissus |
 "Parrot" type tulip bloom |
 Of course, there is a windmill. |
 Some visitors were dancing to the lively tunes of the colorful street organ. |
  Statuary punctuated plants (How did they get me with a hula hoop?) |
 We loved this floating imp. |
  Old tree stumps became hawks and eagles. |
 The Roos (rose) Table |
 These stylish seats were just for show. |
 In the petting zoo, these fluffy chickens looked almost furry. |
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 Of course there were ducks ... and a great-crested grebe with babies on her back. |
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 All these blooms aren't just "pretty, pretty." They're part of a serious business ... |
 As illustrated by this bidding room at the Aalsmeer Bloemenveiling, the largest flower auction in the world. |
 Cart after cart of fresh flowers... . |
 packed for shipping await its fate. |
 The carts are herded by workers on bicycles and electric carts. |
 By mid-morning, the floor was emptying as shipments were assigned. |
 But the main crop in the Netherlands is actually roses ... |
 ... such as those grown in this large tropical greenhouse in Burgerveen. |
 The greenhouse also housed a tropical garden ... |
 ... where Mary stopped to feed the koi ... |
 which came bubbling to the surface of the water. |
 The greenhouse cat had found its own spot to snooze. |
| Amsterdam & Flevo Barging I Tulip Time Barging II Belgium | |||
