As one of the most famous—and beautiful—gardens in the world, millions of people flock to Holland's Keukenhof every year. Gardeners work tirelessly to cultivate the 7 million bulbs that bloom each spring and prepare for the crowds that flock to take in their beauty when the garden opens to the public. However, 2020 is a year like no other. With the coronavirus pandemic forcing the Keukenhof to stay closed to the public, people are missing out on the spectacle of these blooms. Thankfully, one photographer was able to gain access in order to show us the Keukenhof's stunning flowers.
Dutch landscape photographer Albert Dros is a fan of photographing tulips and other local flowers, but mainly does so out in the wild. Photographing at the Keukenhof, which is normally filled with tourists during the two months it's open, can be tricky if you want to get good shots of the flowers without people. So Dros took advantage of this strange time, when the gardeners are still working to care for the flowers, but the public isn't allowed inside.
After making a call to the Keukenhof and explaining his desire to photograph this year's flowers, Dros was allowed private access to this famous garden. For an entire day he explored the grounds, which sprawl over 79 acres, and immortalized this year's blooms. From the famous blue rivers of hyacinths to the iconic Keukenhof windmill, he photographed all of the garden's most iconic monuments.
And what a sight to behold. The vibrant colors and perfect petals scream spring. This showcase for Holland's flower industry is still going strong, whether people can see it in person or not. For 2020, we owe our view of the garden to Dros' industrious thinking and the Keukenhof's willingness to open its doors, even if it was just to one person.
Though Holland's famous Keukenhof is closed to the public this year, one lucky photographer was able to go inside.
Landscape photographer Albert Dros explored the vast grounds, which are still being cared for during the closure, for an entire day.
Through his photographs, we're still able to enjoy the 7 million flowers—including Holland's famous tulips—that bloom each spring.
