I couldn’t resist a trip to Amsterdam’s Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt) at the weekend. My wife- whose birthday was the real reason for being in the city- was very tolerant (as she usually is when I lag behind at garden visits, soaking up the atmosphere, photographing or studying the plants).
We gazed at the wonderful displays (me rather more spellbound than her, I think), and of course couldn’t resist a purchase of some unusual blue tulip bulbs (I will be amazed if they don’t turn out to be more of a purple). Well, I say some tulips, when in reality I fell for the offer of 4 packs of 10 for 10 euros. I found some lovely violet-coloured and white varieties which will work well together and provide a good spread of flowers over April – June.
I must have looked like I knew what I was doing, because a lady from Shropshire got talking and asked my advice about what to buy. I explained my thinking: blue is an unusual colour, you don’t see very often in the UK (or at least that’s my experience). I was also looking for different shaped flower heads, colour combinations and flowering periods. She seemed impressed. In fact she ended up coming away with more or less the same choice as me. That got me thinking that maybe I could offer a consultancy service to the bulb seller? But no, I was here for other things, after all.
All I’ve got to do now is decide where to plant the 70 bulbs I brought home (I forgot to tell you that my wife was also given a present of 30 mixed tulips as one of her birthday presents).
Rear of the Flower Market alongside one of Amsterdam’s canals- once these were floating stalls, now very much more permanent
What to choose? My wife discussing tulip selection with a lady from Shropshire
Amazing bulb display
Beatuful Amaryllis- I was warned off due to luggage restrictions!
Amaryllis bulbs
Hmm.. an interesting Christmas present idea…
Tulips from amsterdam…
Old School Garden 