ECT Travel recently interviewed André Beijk, Main Gardener at Keukenhof whilst he was busy planting bulbs in preparation for opening the gardens next Spring. ECT Travel can take groups to Keukenhof to witness the spectacular floral displays in what have been described many a time as the most beautiful gardens on the planet.
André Beijk at work planting bulbs in September at Keukenhof
Interview by Richard Forsyth.
ECT: How did you become involved with Keukenhof?
AB: Twenty five years ago, via an acquaintance who was already working here. I got a job interview and was accepted immediately.
ECT: What would you say to someone who has not been to Keukenhof – why would they visit – what can they expect to see and experience?
AB: It is the unique Spring experience, a boost of colours and smells. It is not only the flowers that are special but the total perception: a beautiful laid out park with ancient trees and freshly planted green grass.
ECT: What is it like to work on the Keukenhof gardens with the world-wide reputation they have?
AB: It makes me proud to work here. We are a small country, famous all over the world because of our tulips and our park. I like it most when people from different countries visit us and I see they are enjoying their visit to Keukenhof.
Keukenhof is a sensory experience - copyright www.keukenhof.nl
ECT: Where do you get your inspiration for design and are you restricted by much?
AB: The inspiration comes from new trends as seen in magazines and books. The restrictions in the park are caused mostly by the trees and shadowy parts or too sunny areas. And of course we never know what the climate will be in Spring.
ECT: What are your favourite flowers, and what is your favourite part of the gardens?
AB: My favourite flower is the tulip and my favourite part of the park is the oldest area with its majestic trees and the pond.
ECT: What is it about your job you enjoy most?
A popular hot-spot in the gardens - copyright www.keukenhof.nl
ECT: Art is a major part of the gardens – is it important to entwine sculpture with floral designs? What are your views on mixing flowers with art pieces?
AB: Art has become an important addition to the gardens. Flowers and sculpture look very good together and are much appreciated by our visitors.
ECT: Can you give me a scale of the kind of work you and the other gardeners are doing? How much planning does it take for a design of a floral arrangement at the gardens?
AB: The planting season starts at the end of September and continues until December. About 6 million bulbs are planted by hand by our 30 gardeners. In January we need to remove leaves from the ground and we prepare to start planting the grass. In February grass is sown throughout the park, and the turf is laid out. In March everything is prepared and cleaned for the opening period. From the end of March until the end of May we are busy with our opening period, mostly maintenance of the park and informing visitors about bulbs, planting etc.
Water and flowers in harmony - copyright www.keukenhof.nl
From the end of May until the end of June all the bulbs are taken out of the ground and the park is cleaned up. July and August are for maintenance of the trees, cutting branches, trimming hedges etc. At the beginning of September fertilising and laying out the forms of the design needs to be done, so that the planting can start at the end of September.
ECT: Is the Netherlands the ultimate destination for gardeners and flower lovers? It has quite a history and is a hub of floral trade so this must make it a great country for florists and gardeners to enjoy?
AB: I think the Netherlands is mostly known for its bulb flowers in Spring, especially the fields in bloom which are unique in the world.
The trade in bulbs and flowers has played an important role throughout our history. Also the flower auctions in our country are extremely important. As a flower lover you can find everything for sale here.
Having your own garden is also very important for most people and they like to have a nice garden with many flowers.
Keukenhof Spring Gardens are open 22 March – 20 May and you can book travel there with a group via ECT Travel – but now is the time to start planning for the trip.
Call Fiona on Freephone: 0800 2980588 or contact European Connoisseurs Travel for details of how to book a group .
A special thanks to Karin Hoogland for her help in organising this interview.