Historic overview

The exhibition has a rich history. In 1933, the flower bulb exhibition started in the games alley of a café. There were many bulb producers back in those days. Bulb propagation (that is producing a flower in a time period different to that of the normal flowering period of the bulb) was still in its infancy. Many cultivators of bulbs tried to earn a little extra during the winter period through the propagation of bulbs. The cultivators still had a lot to learn, for example the characteristics of the many different types of bulb. Study clubs were set up. Through showing their samples to their colleagues at the study clubs, cultivators came up with the idea of exhibiting the results at one central point. In this way, family, neighbours and friends could also enjoy the knowledge and experience gained.

Bulbflowergarden

This is how the Holland Flowers Festival arose. An important objective of this flower bulb exhibition is to increase know-how within the field. From the fifties onwards, the garden was laid with the help of professional arrangers. The best known amongst them were the gentlemen Georg J. Kiersch, Cock Veldhuis, Cor Geerlings, Johan Weisz, Kees van Dijk and the ladies Dorien van der Berg and Margriet van Dam. Management has now decided to use a garden architect. In 2006, the garden will be laid by Robert Broekema, a garden designer who transforms small and large gardens into garden pearls.

The main theme is in fact still the same: to learn from each other and professional colleagues as well as show consumers the capabilities of companies. Furthermore, it enables people to stay in touch with the developments within this sector.

From the fifties onwards, there has been a rapid increase in mechanisation. This exhibition has contributed to these developments. The latest machines are presented at the exhibition. Competition between mechanisation companies has also stimulated developments and innovations within the profession of flower bulb growing.

Royal interest

The Royal House has also shown its heartfelt interest in this exhibition. This has been apparent from the visits of: Her Majesty Queen Juliana, H.R.H. Prince Claus, Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven, H.R.H. Princess Margriet, H.R.H. Princess Máxima.

H.R.H. princess Máxima (2006)