The Bulb Region or Dune and Bulb Region is a region on the Dutch coast where flower bulb cultivation originated. It officially lies from the lower reaches of the Oude Rijn river west of Leiden to the area west of Haarlem. Part of the western Haarlemmermeer, around Zwaanshoek, is also considered part of the Bulb Region. The conditions for cultivation there are favourable because of the sandy soil present close to the surface.
By some, however, only the traditionally Roman Catholic agricultural bulb-growing villages of Noordwijk-Binnen, Noordwijkerhout, Voorhout, Sassenheim, Lisse, Hillegom, De Zilk and sometimes also the North Holland villages of Vogelenzang and Bennebroek are considered part of the Bulb Region. The Dune region, including the fishing villages of Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk aan Zee, have a Protestant-Christian background. Rijnsburg is more difficult to place in one of these two groups, as it is a bulb village but not Roman Catholic. All the villages together are called the Dune and Flowerbulb Region.
The region is best known for growing tulip bulbs, as well as crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths. Bulb-growing originated at the end of the 16th century around the sandy soils near Haarlem in the 17th century, it flourished excessively for a time because of tulip mania. Large-scale cultivation in the Bulb Region developed in the second half of the 19th century.
During the flowering season of flower bulbs, the region has a colourful appearance that attracts many visitors. After the crocuses, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths start flowering at the end of March and continue into May. In late summer, gladioli, dahlias's, carnations and asters provide a second colourful period.
As a child, there was already a predilection for visual art. As a technician, I was always creative in products, services and working methods. In later years, more time was taken for my art (photography) passion... Read more…