The flower fields are in full bloom in April. In parts of the Netherlands, such as the Bollenstreek, the fields are coloured pink, red, yellow and purple. A beautiful sight. It's logical then that many people head there for a walk or that perfect Instagram shot. But however tempting it may be: you are absolutely not allowed to stand in those flower fields. Not even if you promise to be careful. It is simply forbidden. And there is another reason: you can make the plants sick!
Why You Shouldn't Walk Through Flower Fields
We get it. That rainbow of colours along the roadside is almost impossible to ignore. Just stop for a moment, step into the field for a photo, and you’ve instantly got that perfect shot. However, it’s best to admire those flowers from a distance. When people walk between the rows, plants can easily be damaged. And some damage isn't immediately visible, no matter how careful you are. What’s more, diseases and viruses can spread between flowers via shoes or damaged plants. This can have major consequences, especially for flowering bulbs like tulips and hyacinths. And another thing to keep in mind: crop protection agents – the much-discussed pesticides – are sometimes used in flower fields to protect plants against fungi and insects. As a visitor, you never know when spraying has just occurred, so that's yet another good reason to simply stay on the path.
Why farmers want to pick you out of the tulip fields
You might think, ‘Oh well, if I'm careful, it can't hurt, can it? Just walk among the flowers, don't touch anything, no one will be bothered.’ But unfortunately, it's not that simple. Flowers, especially flowering bulbs like tulips and hyacinths, are susceptible to plant viruses. For example, tulips are affected by Tulip breaking virus. This virus weakens the plant and can cause bulbs to grow less well or even die. And the tricky part is: such diseases can easily spread via you, the visitor, for instance, via mud on your shoes or via a plant that is accidentally damaged. According to the Royal General Bulb Growers' Association, one infected plant can be enough to infect other flowers. That is why growers ask visitors to strictly stay outside the fields. An outbreak would be a disaster for the tulip growers.
Enjoy the flower fields, but keep a respectful distance!
Something else we sometimes forget is that flower fields are not public parks. They are privately owned agricultural fields. It's a bit like walking through someone else's garden for a photograph. That doesn't feel quite right, does it? Fortunately, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy them. Taking photographs is usually permitted. Many bulb growers are even happy for people to come and admire their colourful fields. But with one simple rule: stay on the path or the edge of the field. This way, you still get that beautiful shot, and the flowers remain where they belong. And in some places, there are designated photo fields where you can take a picture in your favourite spot (often for a small fee). Enjoy, You can still enjoy this special picture until the end of April.
You might also find this interesting
- Plant your own flower bulbs? This is why you want to plant organic flower bulbs!
- Also see: Why not all potting soil and garden soil is animal-friendly.
- Ideal The Dutch flower calendar!
Sources: AD.nl, LRT.nl, KAVB.nl, Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Photo credits: Siegfried Poepperl, Pexels.
