Tulipa "Monarch Parrot"

Officially the first day of spring and the Keukenhof show gardens at Lisse, The Netherlands opened today. The landscaped planting is yet to start flowering as it's been so cold but the pavilions housing the flower shows are beginning to bloom. This vibrant parrot variety caught my eye and had me and the camera mesmerized for ages.

I just felt sorry for all the tourists being bused in for the day as they walked around looking at the bare earth and green shoots just starting to peep out of the ground. I have my season pass and will be back... frequently!