Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/miscellaneous.html

April in Amsterdam
September 2001
Mary Conrad, 2000 Holland Trip Winner

    In the Fall of 2000, I was fortunate to win a trip for two to
Amsterdam complements of Johnson's Garden Centers. Since my husband was unable
to go, our daughter from Chicago accompanied me during the week of the
Holland Tulip Festival, April 13th. As a result of the weather being
unseasonably cool, the daffodils and hyacinths were in full bloom with
tulips just beginning to open. The many fields of flowers were
beautiful!

    We had selected a hotel in downtown Amsterdam, next to the world's
largest floating flower market, in order to have easy access to the many
museums, city tours and canal rides. During the first days we walked to
the Rijkmuseum, the Vincent van Gogh museum, and other sites of
interest. When our "tired feet" needed a rest, and not wanting to waste
any time, we purchased tickets for a canal ride and a tour to Volendam,
Marken and the Edam Cheesemaking facility. Even though these excursions
were great we looked forward to a day with Johnson's bulb supplier, Pete
Stuifbergen.

    On our last day in Holland, Mr. Stuifbergen was kind enough to take
us to his business and to the Aalsameer Flower Auction. The auction was
unbelievable! Flowers had been shipped to Aalsameer from many countries,
auctioned, and then re-packed for shipping to buyers world wide within
24 hours. From there, we went to the Keukenhof Gardens and bulb fields
where we spent several hours viewing the beautiful gardens and displays.
The final excursion of the day was a visit to a small town where the
residents of several communities were preparing floats made of flowers
for a 20 mile, day long parade the following Sunday. Unfortunately, time
did not permit us to stay for the parade.

    Although the entire trip was very enjoyable, this last day exceeded
all expectations! This one day alone was well worth the long trip to and
from Holland. Pete's hospitality and that of his colleagues and the
people of Holland was unsurpassed! We are very appreciative of Johnson's
Garden Center for making this trip possible. And yes, we will return to
the Garden Center to purchase additional bulbs this fall!