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Tulips at Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands

Visiting Keukenhof: the world’s largest tulip garden

European Destinations, Travel Gratsiela

The arrival of spring in the Netherlands is made official by the bloom of hyacinths, daffodils and of course, the world-famous Dutch tulips. There’s something very charming and quaint about these vibrant flowers. And the pride the Dutch feel about them is hard to miss, especially in this time of the year. From wooden versions in souvenir shops and cellophane wrapped bouquets in supermarkets to postcards and their depiction on a multitude of renaissance paintings, it’s safe to say the once known as “tulip mania” is now a deeply rooted Dutch tradition.

My second visit to the Netherlands had a quick day trip to the tulip countryside in store for us. Venturing a little further out of the city of Amsterdam, we finally made our way to Lisse to explore the most beautiful tulip garden in the world – Keukenhof! And honestly? I can’t believe it took us this long to get us out there.

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Conservatory Archives, Hackney inside

Conservatory Archives, Hackney – A trendy plant shop with a hidden treat

London, Travel Gratsiela

If you know me well, you know I’m someone that’s pretty keen on the idea of shopping for plants, especially when this means adding personal touches to your home and making it feel more…homely. Adding a little somethin’ somethin’ to different spots of the house is always exciting and has an incredible effect on not only the decoration and feel of our little London flat, but on our everyday mood.

Our house is slowly starting to look like a jungle and most of our plants are now having little plant babies! I get a little extra excited when I notice them growing a little leaf, so imagine how happy and proud I feel when they’re creating babies of their own! Funnily enough, I feel like I’m now at a point in my life where I’m legitimately playing grown ups. Being the plant lady that I am and needing some extra pots, it was only a matter of time before Sam and I headed up to Lower Clapton, where a new Conservatory Archives plant shop had recently opened.

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Toucan at the Orchid Festival, Kew Gardens

Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens: Celebrate the colour of Colombia

London, Travel Gratsiela

The unexpected (but very much welcome) sunny weather in London last weekend had me truly wanting to soak up every beam of sunshine. I couldn’t have been happier to have clear blue skies. Plus, the regrettable coat choice weather was well above the usual crisp degrees this time of the year. So obviously, we did what every Londoner does when the sun emerges from behind the clouds. We packed up a picnic and invaded the nearest park. Or in our case, Kew Gardens (aka Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Coincidentally, the annual Kew orchid festival was on. This time it was showcasing the world’s most biodiverse country and bursting with surprises in every corner. From February 9th to March 10th, wonderful colours fill the Princess of Wales Conservatory in celebration of Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and vibrant culture, where orchids represent a key part of its ecosystems. Naturally, walking into the conservatory was arguably the easiest decision I had to make (especially when the entry is included in your pass!).

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