The best time to see and photograph the bulb fields in bloom
The bulb fields in the Netherlands are one of the most colorful and spectacular sights in spring. Millions of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers form a beautiful palette of purple, yellow, pink, red and orange. But when is the best time to visit the bulb fields and how best to capture them in photographs? In this article, we give you some tips and advice on how to best enjoy the floral splendor.
When are the bulb fields in bloom?
Of course, it depends on the weather when exactly the bulb fields are in bloom. In general, you can say that tulips, daffodils and hyacinths bloom between mid-April and mid-May. First the daffodils will bloom, then the hyacinths and finally the tulips. The daffodils and hyacinths will already be in full bloom in early April, but for the tulips you will have to wait until the end of April.
If you want to see all types of flowers, it is best to go during the last week of April or the first week of May. Then you have the best chance to admire the bulb fields in their full glory. But note that the flowering of spring flowers depends on several factors. The weather and when the grower removes the flower from the stem affect the bulb fields. At Keukenhof and the other show gardens, different weather conditions are taken into account and the flowers are not removed from the stem. As a result, the flowers at the flower attractions bloom throughout the season.
Where can you find the bulb fields?
The most famous and oldest bulb fields are in the Dune and Flowerbulb Region, south of Haarlem and west of Leiden. The bulb fields are around Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout, where countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths smell and color. This area is also home to Keukenhof, the largest flower park in the world, where you can admire more than 7 million bulbs.
But there are other places in Holland where you can see the bulb fields. In the Kop van Noord-Holland, near Den Helder, a sea of colors shines. Complete with windmills, dikes and picturesque villages, such as Kolhorn. In Flevoland you will find the longest tulip route in the Netherlands, which changes every year and is signposted with Tulip Festival signs. In the east of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, between Terneuzen and Hulst, around ancient villages such as Graauw, Lamswaarde and Koewacht, and hamlets such as Reuzenhoek, Hengstdijk and Schapenbout, are the bulb fields of Zeeland. And on the South Holland island of Goeree-Overflakkee, a Tulip Route is set out every year, along dikes and fields full of yellow, white, pink, orange, red and purple flowers.
What is the best way to photograph the bulb fields?
The bulb fields are a feast for the eyes, but also for the camera. With a little creativity and technique, you can take beautiful pictures of the sea of flowers. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Go out early. The light will be softer and prettier, and you'll have less crowds and shadows. Plus, you may still be able to capture some dewdrops on the flowers.
- Choose an interesting vantage point. Try to photograph not only from above, but also from the ground, between the flowers, or from a different perspective. This way you create more depth and dynamics in your photo.
- Play with the composition. Use the rule of thirds, place a subject in the foreground, or use lines and patterns to make your photo more exciting.
- Experiment with depth of field. By using a large aperture, you can blur the background to draw attention to a particular flower or group of flowers. Alternatively, you can use a small aperture to bring everything into focus, emphasizing the vastness of the landscape.
- Pay attention to the colors. Try to combine colors that go well together, or contrast. Avoid bright colors that distract from the flowers, such as red cars or blue jackets. Or use a polarizing filter to make the colors even more intense.
How can you visit the bulb fields respectfully?
The bulb fields are a wonderful gift from nature, as well as from the growers who work hard for them. Therefore, it is important to treat the bulb fields with respect and observe the following rules:
- Do not enter the bulb fields without permission. The flowers are fragile and can be damaged if you walk over them. Moreover, the bulb fields are private property and not public land. So always ask the grower first if you can enter the bulb fields and where you can walk.
- Do not pick the flowers. The flowers are not meant to be taken away, but to be admired. If you pick the flowers, you damage the bulb and the plant, and deprive others of the opportunity to enjoy them. In addition, it is a criminal offense to pick flowers without permission.
- Don't leave trash behind. The bulb fields are not a trash can, but a living landscape. So don't throw trash on the ground, but take it with you or throw it in a trash can. This way you keep the bulb fields clean and beautiful for everyone.
The bulb fields in the Netherlands are a unique and enchanting phenomenon that you should definitely experience once. With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of the flowers to the fullest and keep beautiful memories and photos. Have fun and respect!