When we returned from Winterswijk after the pistol match, we had just one day to look around Amsterdam, before returning home. My honey was not feeling well at all, but made the effort to walk with me to the flower market, which was on the top of my list of places I wanted to see. I did not really poke around all the flower stalls, as I wanted to, out of consideration for my sick sweetheart. There is always next year if we manage to make it back there.
The flower market is located along one side of Singel canal. This is the only floating flower market in the world, and one of the most fragrant places of interest of Amsterdam - in all seasons. The flower stalls stand on the houseboats. You will find there all sorts of tulips, narcissus and other bulbs and flowers.
Looking at the back of the flowers stalls on the canal.I might add that the water in the canals was very dirty.
I did not take the time to count how many flower stalls there were as I was in awe of all the merchandise on display. 
I have never seen such large bulbs and corms for sale, but of course I live on a small Island with just a couple of places to buy my seeds, plants and bulbs, and have not seen anything quite as awe inspiring as what I saw in this market.
Aren't these Amaryllis flowers gorgeous? and they were huge. Look behind the flowers and you can see just a few of the thousands of packets of seeds for sale. Warning if you are on vacation in a foreign country and plan on bringing seeds back, do not buy any of seeds unless there is a customs cleared sticker on the back of the packets. I bought many packets of seeds, and had them confiscated by customs when I returned to USA. My fault entirely as I did not do my homework concerning imports of seeds, before I left on my vacation. I am just happy I declared the seeds or I would probably be still in jail cooling my heels. *grin*
The variety of bulbs and corms for sale, was overwhelming.
For you cacti lovers, these are just a few of many on display.
I do not have any calla growing in my garden, but plan on planting some, bought locally of course *chuckle*This is the first of a few posts I have for your enjoyment, they will be a little slow in being posted as I am still feeling poorly. Hopefully with a few days rest, I will be back up to speed.
8 comments:
Keewee I bet you thought you had died and gone to flower heaven. That looks like the place to be. Hope you get to feeling better soon.
I would just call Flowerlands instead of Netherlands!. I am sure your trip was a real joy.
~ bangchik
Hope you are feeling better soon! I'm looking forward to seeing the posts of your vacation. -Jackie
Oh Keewee, I would have spent a couple days in the floating flower market! That is absolutely FANTASTIC. I've never heard of it but now I'd love to go. It would take me some time just to explore all the stalls then go back and decide what to buy. Such a shame you lost your seeds. :-( Is it the same with bulbs/tubers too? I don't know about the rest of your trip but this part alone would have made me happy.
Becca, you are right, I thought I was in flower heaven, pity I could not have spent more time there, but there is always next year if we can afford to go.
Kathleen, I believe you can have certain bulbs and tubers packaged for import into your own country, although from experience I would be asking the right question of the people in the know, and not just a vendor.
Thank you Jennnifer! Will wait for the next post!
Wow Jennifer~~ I'm jealous. I think I would have been kicking and shoving people out of the way and I'd be in jail for not only confiscation but assault and disorderly conduct.
What a shame customs couldn't appreciate the beauty of flower seeds. Shame on them.
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