LISSE, The Netherlands, March 19 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- By baptizing the new Spring Garden tulip, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands officially opened the 60th edition of the international flower exhibition, Keukenhof, on March 18. In this jubilee year, the theme 'USA, New Amsterdam: New York, 400' strengthens the bonds of friendship with the numerous American visitors, as well as Dutch discoverer Henry Hudson. Approximately 10 percent of customers purchasing tickets from the Keukenhof box office originated from the United States. And four centuries ago, Hudson stepped ashore on what is now Manhattan -- on behalf of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie, the Dutch East India Company, who in those times ruled the seas -- thus establishing New Amsterdam, later re-named New York. It made Hudson and the Dutch indirectly responsible for establishing the city as we know it today.
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In the past six decades Keukenhof has enjoyed a warm interest from the members of the Royal Family. On May 2nd, 1972, then Queen Juliana and the Prince Consort Bernhard celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and in 2001 Princess Maxima made her first public appearance at Keukenhof.
Emphasizing the theme for 2009, Prof. Dr M.J. Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey, addressed the audience.
Spring Garden is a Darwin-hybrid tulip, bred by Plant Research International Wageningen from a Madame Lefeber and a tetraploide and furthermore upgraded by Fluwel in Burgerbrug. Natural blooming is around end of April .
America in flowers
The 2009 theme is impressively showcased by a portrait of the world famous Statue of Liberty in flowers, a scene measuring 26 by 17 yards, which incorporates more than 50,000 flower bulbs.
Keukenhof 2009 has designed an American-themed route starting with the Hudson River at the park's entrance. From there a swaying path of blue grape flowers illustrates the two streams of New York, and leads the visitors through recognizable American locations such as Brooklyn, Harlem, and Wall Street. A walk of fame pictures former First Lady Laura Bush, as well as James Last and Manhattan in flowers.
In the 32-hectare historic park, some seven million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and all other spring bulbs exuberantly grow. This year the park will be open from March 19th until May 21st.
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