Amsterdam in Bloom

One of the things that is plentiful in Amsterdam are flowers, and not just tulips. Walking around town from February onwards, the flashes of colour on canal bridges, gardens, parks, shops and the numerous roadside flower stalls, gives you reason to smile and to remember that Summer is just round the corner.

When we first moved to Amsterdam one of the 'terms' of our move was that my husband should buy fresh flowers every week. He's not quite fulfilled that but he is very good at impromptu flower purchases. Helped by living opposite a flower stall.

If you want to see a huge range of flowers then I recommend a visit to Keukenhof Gardens. It is only open for a few weeks in the year (around April) and is a full day out. The direct bus from Schiphol airport makes it easy to get to if you don't have a car. As well as wondering around the beautifully landscaped gardens there is a windmill, petting farm, lake, playground and lots of picnic areas.

Family friendly bonus points: Most florists give a single flower to kids when you buy from them, our nearest one gives out packets of sweets from a big jar.