Spring Flowers in Europe

This article is dedicated to flowers and the arrival of spring. We love flowers, so this time of year is the one that always cheers us up. We also believe that most of you feel the same way about spring and the feeling is even stronger if you live in a part of the world where winters in recent years have been quite harsh – at least this is the case of Eastern Europe, where we currently live. You understand now why March brings such joy to us: the weather gradually warms, the air is fresh, all the gardens and parks are green and flowers are everywhere.
We will talk, therefore, about the most popular flowers in Europe – joyful heralds of spring announcing warm weather and filling the air with their seductive fragrances – and we will start with one of our favorites, the tulip.

The Tulips – Our Favorites

The tulip has its origins in the Middle East and can be found in many colors and shapes. Today, the tulip is a symbol of Netherlands where it is cultivated over an area of 10,000 hectares.
In Netherlands you will find the largest park dedicated to flowers and especially to the beloved tulip: Keukenhof Park, located in Lisse, 50 km southwest of Amsterdam. It is a huge garden  (covering an area of 32 hectares) with many species of flowers, but the main attraction is, of course, the tulip. This year, Keukenhof is open to the public from 24 March to 20 May, from 8:00 to 19:30, and if you want to attend a special event, try the Flower Parade, on April 16.

The exhibition of tulips along with the other attractions of the garden (the countless alleys, the traditional Dutch windmill, the fountains and canals) are made for an unforgettable experience. Oh! and don’t forget to brig your camera too. According to their official website, the park is the most photographed places in the world and you will have the chance to attend a photography workshop held by a professional photographer.
Visiting Keukenhof is also a good opportunity to learn how to grow tulips. 100s of varieties of bulbs (as well as gardening guides) can be purchased at different prices depending on the color, shape and size of tulips.

Hyacinth – A Unique Fragrance

Hyacinth is a beautiful spring flower with a unique fragrance, whose origins are attributed to several areas of the Mediterranean region, the Middle East and South Africa. It is a small plant and comes in different colors, ranging from white to purple, red, blue, pink and yellow. One of our favorite is the white hyacinth, which symbolizes purity.

Hyacinth has been brought to Europe in the 16th century and it was a very expensive flower – thus a symbol of wealth among the nobility. In the centuries that followed, however, Hyacinth was cultivated in many other countries, and today it is among the most beloved messengers of spring, along with tulips.

Freesia – Beautiful Pastel Colors

Freesia, one of the best selling flowers in the UK, is appreciated for its delicate fragrance and beautiful pastel colors. Currently there are over a dozen species of freesia, most of them originating from South Africa.
In Europe, Freesia was brought in the 19th century and quickly spread across the continent due to favorable climatic conditions.

Of course, there are other beautiful spring flowers that can be added to the list: Anemone, Magnolia, Narcissus, Amaryllis – to name just a few.
Anyway, we would love to know what is it that you like most about this season and which are your favorite spring flowers, so don’t be shy: share your thoughts and hit the comment button below.